(Above: The twins at their graduation)
On Friday, May 15, 2026
,as the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) celebrated another cohort of
graduates, the spotlight shone brightly on two sisters whose journey to the
stage was a powerful testament to resilience, sisterhood, and the enduring
strength of family.
Abongile Sisipho Sigudi and Bongiwe Aphiwe Sigudi did not just walk across the stage to receive their degrees, they carried the dreams of a family and honoured the legacies of those who paved the way for them.
The twins’ story begins in the small village of Enkungwini in Bizana, Eastern Cape. Raised by their grandmother while their parents worked in Durban to provide for them, the sisters learned early on about the values of love, strength, and guidance.
Their pursuit of education eventually took them to KwaZulu-Natal, where they attended Newlands East Secondary and later Wiggins Secondary School. It was during these formative high school years that tragedy first struck: the loss of their father. In the wake of this painful moment, their mother became the sole provider, a pillar of strength who moved mountains to ensure her daughters could reach university.
A Bittersweet Triumph
While graduation day
should be a day of pure joy, it is also a moment of deep reflection. Just last
week, the family lost the matriarch who raised them, their beloved grandmother.
After graduating, they had to rush to the Eastern Cape where their grandmother
will be laid to rest a day after their big day.
"She was our hero and our biggest supporter," the sisters shared. "We are dedicating this achievement to our late father and grandmother. This qualification represents hope, healing, and a real chance to change our family’s future."
Science, Sisterhood and Balance
Though they share a
bond that only twins can understand, Abongile and Bongiwe have carved out
distinct paths in the sciences: Abongile graduated with a BSc in Computer
Science and Chemistry and is currently pursuing her BSc Honours in Computer
Science. She dreams of becoming a software engineer.
Bongiwe earned her BSc in Biochemistry and Microbiology and is currently enrolled for her BSc Honours in Biochemistry, with sights set on becoming a clinical biochemist.
Despite different majors, they remain each other's greatest allies. Bongiwe, known for her quiet hard work and stellar grades, often steps in to tutor Abongile - especially in the nuances of research. Abongile, described jokingly as the "emotional" one of the pair, provides the heart and balance that keeps the duo grounded.
Building a Future
For the Sigudi
twins, the motivation to keep pushing comes from seeing their mother’s
sacrifice. Their success is a tribute to her hard work and a promise to provide
her with a better life.
As they crossed the graduation stage, they proved that while loss can be a heavy burden, it can also be the fuel that drives excellence. Coming from a background where opportunities were never taken for granted, these two young women are now building a foundation for a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Simangele Mhlongo, the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering Manager congratulated the twins, saying the pair were a symbol of UNIZULU’s pride.
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