From primary school to university, Zinhle and Zethu Vanda have journeyed side by side through every academic milestone. Now the Vanda twins will graduate during the University of the Free State (UFS)’s April 2025 graduation season with the same qualification - a Bachelor of Social Science. 

As the Vanda twins prepare to walk across the graduation stage, the moment carries deep emotional significance. “This is a culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and dedication - not just from us, but from our family as well,” they shared. “Coming from an unprivileged background, this achievement is not just ours - it belongs to our family and to everyone who has supported us along the way.” 

An unbreakable bond

While the twins are filled with excitement, they reflect on the many challenges they overcame to reach this point. Their journey included long nights of studying, the pressure of balancing academic demands, and the weight of personal struggles. 

“Coming from a low-income household, financial strain was one of the biggest challenges,” they explained. ‘’There were times when we worried about basic needs - and those moments often clashed with academic deadlines.”  

Their unwavering bond was the key to their success. According to Zinhle, they motivated each other, held each other accountable, and provided mutual support throughout their studies - even during moments of tension and frustration. 

“Having someone to relate to in everything made the journey bearable,” Zethu added. “The support system we built between us helped us stay focused and committed.” They also credit their mother for instilling the values that have carried them through their academic journey. 

A future rooted in purpose 

Driven by a shared passion for the social sciences, the twins are now pursuing honours degrees at the UFS - Zinhle specialising in Sociology and Zethu in Criminology.  

‘’We are deeply passionate about social science because it allows us to critically understand the structures, inequalities, and experiences that shape people’s lives, especially in contexts like ours,” Zinhle said. “We hope to contribute to the field through research that gives voice to underrepresented communities, influences social policy, and promotes inclusive and transformative change.’’