UKZN graduates honor family legacies through education
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In KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Dolly Nyasulu, 82, and Lethukuthula Mngomezulu recently graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, both acknowledging the strong influence of their families on their educational journeys.
Nyasulu earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health, focusing her research on family-centered postnatal care in rural communities. Her interest in midwifery and family involvement in childbirth stemmed from childhood observations in Flagstaff, in the Eastern Cape, where she watched midwives work with families.
Nyasulu built her decades-long career in nursing and maternal health on this early experience, later contributing to healthcare policy and guidelines. Despite personal challenges, including the loss of her daughter and husband, she completed her doctoral studies with support from her family and supervisors. She hopes to reintroduce collaborative, family-centered care practices into maternal health. Mngomezulu, a Bachelor of Law graduate, designed a special tie featuring images of his maternal and paternal grandmothers to honor their support during his studies.
Both grandmothers prioritized his education and encouraged his academic success. He also completed a Bachelor of Social Science in Criminology while running a graphic design company. The graduation in September coincided with the birth month of both grandmothers, who had both passed away.
