The role of the University as a centre of learning and its role in changing lives are highlighted by the fact that, in most cases, its students are the first in their families to study at a university. Although this may sound sad, it still indicates that Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s foresight is more needed than before. The Founder of the Institution wanted particularly Black students to learn practical skills that would secure them jobs. That was more than 40 years ago. Even after such a long time, there are still students who are “the first to study at a university in their families”.
One such student is Nkosinathi Maphumulo. Maphumulo, who is a presenter at MUT Radio, said he always “wanted to graduate and make my parents happy. I am the first one in my big family to study at a university”, said Maphumulo, who is better known as “King Africa”. King Africa, who is from Umbumbulu, graduated with a diploma in Human Resources Management. He said he was motivated by the fact that a graduation ceremony is something “we all look forward to. Education opens doors. Not all closed doors are locked,” he said.
King Africa presents a Maskandi show called Ushuni Wengoma, on MUT Radio from 10h00-12h00 on Saturday. He was “severely” criticised by one of his colleagues for not informing them that he was going to graduate. He thanked his MUT Radio colleague, Ntuthuko Mabaso for inspiring him with his studies.