Lungelo Ngcobo has completed his LLB program at UKZN and plans to use his legal knowledge to support vulnerable populations. His graduation is the culmination of many years of perseverance and sacrifice, as he repeatedly had to postpone his legal aspirations to save money for his studies.
This 29-year-old resident of Egobogobo in Bulwer enrolled at UKZN in the second semester of 2016. However, his path to obtaining a Bachelor of Laws was interrupted in 2021 due to the loss of funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Unable to cover outstanding fees, he could not register for his final year.
For the next two years, Ngcobo was job searching. In 2023, he managed to secure a temporary position at a factory. Instead of abandoning his studies, he dedicated this year to working and saving money with the goal of returning to university.
He returned to UKZN in 2024 with the determination to finish what he started but again faced financial difficulties. With only one module left before receiving his diploma, he was forced to return home because he could not pay the registration and tuition fees.
His educational journey took an unexpected turn in 2025 when he was hired to work on the R617 road reconstruction project connecting Bulwer and Underberg. He worked throughout the year before applying for re-admission to UKZN in 2026. This time, he successfully completed his final module after the first semester, concluding a ten-year journey.
Ngcobo noted that poverty was one of the most significant obstacles, but he refused to let circumstances dictate his future. He stated: 'I was born poor, and when you come out of an underprivileged environment, you want to do everything possible to change your circumstances and create a better future for your family.'
His mother also served as a source of motivation. He shared: 'Every time I looked at my mother, I wanted her to be proud of who I had become and the person I aspired to be, and that supported me.'
Today, Ngcobo works at a law firm where he gains practical experience, taking steps toward his ultimate goal of becoming a recognized lawyer. His own experience as a rank-and-file employee shaped the image of the lawyer he wants to be. He intends to use his legal knowledge to protect and empower women, children, and vulnerable workers, as well as help ordinary people understand and realize their legal rights.
He emphasized: 'Having faced my own difficulties as a rank-and-file worker, I deeply understood the struggle that many ordinary people face every day. I hope to contribute to raising legal awareness, improving access to justice, and empowering communities through the law.'
For Ngcobo, simply being on the graduation stage was an opportunity to celebrate with those who supported him during the toughest years. He attended the ceremony with his mother and sisters, whom he called his main supporters. He also expressed gratitude to friends and acquaintances who helped him along the way, including former classmates from his early years at UKZN. He remarked: 'Some of these people are people I once shared a classroom with in my early years at UKZN, and they came to help me when I needed it most.'
Looking back on the ten-year journey, Ngcobo learned that setbacks do not necessarily mean the end of a dream. He added: 'There are times when life forces you down a different path than planned, and sometimes you might feel discouraged or even want to give up. The important thing is to keep moving forward, no matter how small the steps seem.'
With his LLB degree, Ngcobo hopes his story will inspire others striving to achieve their goals. He advises: 'Believe in your dreams, be prepared to work hard, and don't be ashamed to start over if necessary. Seek support from people who genuinely want to see you succeed, and never stop believing in your ability to achieve your goals.'
