Senzelweyinkosi Ngwenya: From rural perseverance to academic excellence

Every morning, long before the first light broke the horizon, a determined young girl from St Paul's Mission in Lupane District embarked on a grueling 12km journey to Amandlethu Secondary School. That young girl, Senzelweyinkosi Ngwenya, has now risen to become a beacon of resilience and excellence, culminating in an extraordinary achievement—winning 13 awards at her university graduation.
A Journey of Determination

Senzelweyinkosi's story is one of unyielding determination. Walking long distances daily to school, she overcame immense physical and mental challenges to excel academically. Her hard work bore fruit in her O-Level examinations, where she passed nine subjects with flying colors.

Recognizing her potential, her teachers arranged for her to board at a low-cost facility during her A-Level studies, but this added a new financial strain on her struggling family.

Her mother, Ms. Simangaphi Dube, recounted the lengths she went to support her daughter's education.

"When she was preparing for her O-Level examinations, I sold everything I could - umtshwankela and umviyo - to raise money for her fees. Eventually, we had to sell one of our six cows to cover her A-Level costs," she said.

Despite these challenges, Senzelweyinkosi completed her A-Levels in 2018. However, the family's financial constraints forced her to stay home for two years before her aunts stepped in to support her university education.
The Triumph at Gwanda State University

In 2020, Senzelweyinkosi enrolled at Gwanda State University to study for a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Animal Science. Four years later, at the university's third graduation ceremony, she became the day's star, receiving 13 prestigious awards, including the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor's Award for the overall best graduating female student.

"I am so proud of myself, and I know my parents are too," she said, beaming with pride. "I had a very difficult upbringing. My mother struggled to raise fees for me, and I had to walk 12km daily to school. Looking back, I am amazed at how far I've come."
A Symbol of Hope and Inspiration

Senzelweyinkosi's journey serves as an inspiration to young girls in her rural community.

"I want my peers back home to believe in themselves and know that nothing is impossible," she said.

Her mother's pride is palpable, especially given the circumstances of Senzelweyinkosi's birth. After battling illness for over two years and losing hope of having another child, Ms. Dube gave birth to Senzelweyinkosi in 2000.

"She is truly a gift from God, which is why I named her Senzelweyinkosi (God's work). Everything she has achieved so far has been through His grace," said Ms. Dube.
A Moment to Remember

The graduation ceremony at Gwanda State University's Epoch Mine campus was attended by high-ranking officials, including President Mnangagwa, who personally capped Senzelweyinkosi. The event was marked by congratulatory messages and photo opportunities with the young graduate, a moment she will cherish forever.

Her aunt, Ms. Boniso Dube, expressed immense pride and emotion at her niece's success.

"Words cannot define what I feel today. It's overwhelming to see how far she has come," she said.
The Road Ahead

Senzelweyinkosi's journey from walking 12km to school to receiving top honors at university is a testament to perseverance and the power of education. Her story serves as a shining example for Zimbabwe's youth, proving that no obstacle is insurmountable with determination and support.