In a nation starved for uplifting narratives, Masasa Mbangeni’s graduation inspires hope and highlights the importance of education, especially for young back women charting their own paths to success. Sometimes, South Africa gives us a feel-good moment that stands out, something joyful and gentle that reminds us who we are as a nation. And this week, that gift came wrapped in black robes and academic blue: actress Masasa Mbangeni strutting out of Wits University with her BA Honours in Dramatic Arts.
It was one of those moments that immediately went viral, not because a gossip blog posted it (although Musa Khawula certainly made sure we saw it), but because it captured something many of us are craving right now: stories of Black women choosing themselves, their growth, and their future. Our country is holding so much heaviness; this was a win we could all feel. On 10 December, outside the Wits campus, Mbangeni strutted into a new chapter surrounded by her family, her friends, and a community that had watched her rise, fall, rise again and rise even higher.
In her Instagram posts, she thanked her loved ones who flew in just to see her cross that stage. There are no words!” Anyone who has studied while working, hustling, healing, or just trying to get by in today’s economy will understand and share that pride. Mbangeni’s energy was palpable like that of any other graduate in that moment.
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You could feel the relief. You could feel the power.
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