After being humiliated, called names and becoming a laughing stock for falling pregnant as a teenager and getting married while in high school, Nobuhle "Nunu" Mpanza (37) has made it against all odds. She graduated with her second qualification from the University of Zululand last week.  

A GRADUATE 

Mpanza from Msasadla outside Empangeni in the north of KwaZulu Natal (KZN) has become an inspiration after she graduated for the second time. She told ZiMoja that when she fell pregnant in 2006 as a teenager and getting married young, he thought her dreams were over. But Madlala's dreams had to be rearranged when she decided to go back to school at the age of 31 at Sibhakuza High School.  She had been a high school dropout for 10 years. She now holds a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Education last year. 'In 2006 I fell pregnant and failed my matric but never gave up hope of being called a graduate. After that I became a burden at home as I was unemployed and had kids. It was a struggle for me to make ends meet. I stayed for 10 years, and I thought hard about my dreams and where I wanted to be. I decided to go for it, and I informed my husband about my dreams, and he supported me in them," she said. She added that the principal believed in her even when the community was mocking her. “They kept pushing a narrative that I must quit school and focus on my marriage as I was old," she said 

SUPPORTED BY HER HUSBAND 

Mpanza told ZiMoja that she wouldn’t be where she is today if it were not for her husband’s support. Her husband Njabulo Mpanza is a general worker at the local municipality and Madlala says throughout the years she was studying he supported her. “I never lacked anything both at home and at school, he also didn't listen to critics because he loves and trusts me. I will forever be grateful to him,” Mpanza hopes to get a job soon as a teacher. “My aim is to enrich South African kids with knowledge and encourage them to study beyond matric to get more opportunities,” she added.