Former Miss SA Ntandokayise Kunene has graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree. Ntando, as she is affectionately known, achieved her degree through Wits University despite going through a public divorce with her ex-husband, gospel artist, and pastor Khaya Mthethwa, and juggling work Her hard work and determination paid off as she successfully completed her studies and obtained her MBA.

COMMITTED AND DISCIPLINED

The Mpumalanga born thanked herself for remaining disciplined. â€?"What a journey! It took sooooo much out of me, I dug deep within myself, and I surprised myself on so many levels, this was my most disciplined,” she shared. The 31-year-old also thanked the people who held her hand through her challenging journey sharing that at times, she would find herself crying. â€?"Not forgetting how many times I cried to all my friends including my social media friends, family, colleagues, my supervisor, and mentors that encouraged me, THANK YOU. Sometimes their encouragement was the only encouragement I had. In some instances, my own strength failed,” she said.

SHARING THE GOOD NEWS WITH HER FOLLOWERS 

Kunene shared the exciting news on social media and received an outpouring of congratulations from both fans and friends, including Khanyi Dhlomo. A source close to Kunene says she is driven and wants to be a good role model for her child. According to the source, the charitable Kunene takes education and empowering young girls especially from disadvantaged backgrounds seriously. �"She is full of life and really wants to make a difference in the world, she is inspiring and her positive outlook on life is beyond words,” adds the source.

The former beauty queen took to her socials to celebrate her achievement, using a quote by Dr Angela Lee Duckworth that read: â€?"Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. Grit is having stamina. Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out. Not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years. And working really hard to make that future a reality. Grit is living life like it is a marathon, not a sprint.” 

MAKING STRIDES 

Kunene and her long-time friend, Thokozane Dyosini, published a children’s book titled Cory in the Universe. The book centers around young heroes who use superpowers to fight the Coronavirus. It also helps kids understand what’s happening around them in a way that makes sense to them. Cory in the Universe is available in all 11 official South African languages.