Graduate shines, despite loss and depression

This April, Nukeri becomes the first graduate in her family, and proudly returns to her village, in Tzaneen in Limpopo, with a bachelor’s degree in social work achieved Cum Laude.

Nukeri was also recognised by the prestigious Golden Key international Honour Society, for her outstanding academic performance.

Reflecting on this hard-earned milestone, Nukeri admits, she doesn't even know how to celebrate the journey, which was filled with emotional highs and lows, moments of surrender and countless hurdles”.

For Nukeri, social work wasn’t just a degree – it was a calling, an opportunity to make an impact in her community.

"I've always wanted to pursue a career, that involves connecting to people, understanding their struggles and offering support," she said.

Coming from a disadvantaged household, her childhood was marked by long periods of separation from her mother, who worked away from home for months at a time.

"I am here today because of my aunt, if it wasn’t for her, I don’t think I would be here," said Nukeri.

Until 2023, in her third year of study, Nukeri’s academic journey was steady, then suddenly her world turned upside down.

"It was a Sunday, I was on my way to church when I got a call from my brother, asking me for R60," she recalls. Nukeri told him that she couldn't help him, until her stipend arrived later that week, but little did she know that would be the last time she would ever speak to him.

While in church, she received frantic calls from family members, who broke the tragic news, that her brother had been found dead, due to suicide.

Despite the shock and overwhelm Nukeri mustered up the strength to work on an important assignment she had due, and with the help of a friend managed to successfully submit.

 “When I arrived home to Tzaneen, I felt so numb, I still couldn’t believe what had happened,” she said.

Culturally, due to the nature of her brother’s death, he was buried at 3am and the funeral was set right in the middle of her test series and practicals, which left her further traumatised.

By Monday, the day after the funeral, with no time to process her loss and adequately grieve with her family, Nukeri travelled back to Gqeberha, to write a test. She arrived heartbroken, mentally and emotionally shattered.

Understanding that not all lecturers would be empathetic or lenient, she surrendered herself to the grim reality that her marks would suffer. "At that moment, I told myself, I don’t care if I fail. This is beyond my control,” she recalls.

Nukeri later sought help and attended counselling – a decision she calls one of her best. And amid depression and pressure from being the “only hope” in her family, she kept her eye on the prize – Cum Laude.

As a First Year Success Buddy, she worked hard to reach that goal, counting her percentages with every assessment.

"I want to sincerely thank my supervisors, Annessa Lagadien and Dr Xweso Mzukisi who supported me, helping me successfully maintain my academic performance," she said.

"When I reflect back on my journey, I wish I could erase the excitement because my brother won’t be part of my graduation."

Currently seeking employment, Nukeri said: "This year, is a year of academic rest, but in 2026, I’m fetching my Master’s – all the way to PhD."

Nukeri’s story is a reminder that with hard work, perseverance and the right support you can achieve against the odds.