An African man, age 21, overcomes all difficulties to become the first person in his family to get a bachelor's degree. Mp3 Download

An African man, age 21, overcomes all difficulties to become the first person in his family to get a bachelor’s degree.

AFRICA | A 21-year-old African man becomes the first person in his family to acquire a bachelor’s degree by defying the odds.

Isaac Luyanda Gumede, a 21-year-old South African, has overcome all obstacles to become the first person in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree in Drama, Theatre, and Performance from the University of Zululand.

After graduating at the top of his high school class from Groutville High School in Groutville, South Africa, Isaac started his university career at the age of 17.

Thinking back on his accomplishment, he was proud to be the first member of his family to pursue his interest and obtain a university degree.

While attending Groutville High School, Isaac resided with his mother and two siblings after growing up in a rural part of Hluhluwe, South Africa, with his grandmother and ten other family members.

Isaac’s education was made possible by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which provided him with support during his time at the University of Zululand because he hailed from a financially disadvantaged background.

Isaac claimed that when he was first exposed to theater activities in early primary school, his love for the arts was sparked. He persisted in his goal of pursuing a career in theater in spite of criticism from some peers and teachers.

“You are only betraying yourself if you give up on your dream,” Isaac stated. He participated in many theater plays while attending university, both as an actor and backstage.

He participated in the productions of the Creative Arts Department, acting in a number of plays and serving as a stagehand and director. “Those were some of my favorite times as a student,” Isaac said.

In high school, Isaac got involved in theater, appearing in plays such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Durban University of Technology in 2018. In the same year, he also had a performance at the Shakespeare Schools Arts Festival.

Isaac appeared in the university’s production of A Reawakening of the People of the Land at the esteemed National Arts Festival in 2022.

He also appeared in Controversy, which was created by the Mbusufikile Arts Academy that same year. His love of theater only became stronger, and he took part in the university’s productions of Faces and ALLY: The Algorithm in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Isaac attributes his accomplishments to the help he got along the road, particularly from Masedi Manenye, a lecturer in movement in the Department of Creative Arts. He conveyed his sincere appreciation for the mentorship and advice given by the lecturer.

Throughout my academic career, Mr. Masedi has been there for me when I needed him. It was a pleasure to meet and collaborate with him. I was greatly inspired by him,” he remarked.

An African man, age 21, overcomes all difficulties to become the first person in his family to get a bachelor’s degree.