Former street kid graduates with a Masters of Commerce in Economics Cum Laude

As a 14-year-old boy facing the harsh realities of living on the streets of Pietermaritzburg, Masters of Commerce in Economics cum laude graduate Declerk Khwazi Magubane never gave up on his pursuit of education.

“In December 2006, I decided to become a street kid due to abuse I was suffering at the hand of my caregivers and as I was becoming a thief. However, after a year on the streets begging at the robots, puffing on glue to numb myself and hustling to survive, I took a decision to get off the streets. A local preacher took me in and Ms Zinhle Hadebe, who I met on the streets motivated and supported me to go back to school. I have never looked back,” said Magubane.

While acclimatising to life off the streets and letting go of bad habits proved difficult, Magubane remained determined and went on to matriculate and enrol for a Bachelor of Commerce foundation programme at UKZN, “I registered for a BA in International Studies and went back to do my BCom honours. During the first three years at UKZN, I had no bursary or NSFAS funding and was supported financially by Hadebe until receiving NSFAS support in my final year. I was able to do my honours through securing a bursary from the National Research Foundation and my Masters through fee remission in between working as an Academic Development Officer to sustain myself,” said Magubane.

With aspirations to become an economist, Magubane is proud that he fulfilled his dream of graduating with his Masters cum laude and is excited about the future.

“I was motivated to pursue a Masters of Commerce degree because I wanted to show other street kids, and all the disadvantaged children of the world that it is possible to change your circumstances. I came to university because I wanted to improve my circumstances and this is what keeps me going. Obtaining this qualification cum laude is life changing for me as it affirms that if you concentrate on achieving your dreams, they will eventually materialise. I am blessed to have people supporting me; they are all part of my success and I am very grateful.”

Magubane is one of 1 781 graduands honoured at UKZN’s virtual Spring Graduation ceremony on Friday, 30 October 2020.