11 December 2025
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Story Onthatile Tikoe
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Photo Kaleidoscope Studios
UFS Bachelor of Divinity graduate Masixole Saba is the first in his family to earn a degree.
On 11 December 2025, Masixole Saba walked across the graduation stage at the University of the Free State (UFS) as the first graduate in his family. For the
Bachelor of Divinity student from Dutywa in the Eastern Cape, this moment represented far more than an academic qualification. It is the culmination of years of perseverance, loss, resilience and unwavering belief in a better future.
“I was born and raised in a small town, Dutywa in the Eastern Cape, and I completed my Bachelor of Divinity in the Faculty of Theology and Religion,” Saba says with quiet pride. His decision to pursue studies in Theology was shaped by his upbringing and curiosity about faith. “I grew up in a church-going family. When I became old enough to understand that there are different religions, I wanted to learn more about them. Seeing how Christianity and African spirituality always collided in the Eastern Cape also inspired me to pursue my studies in this faculty.”
A milestone against the odds
Graduation holds deep personal meaning for Saba and his family. “It means that I have reached a milestone in my life and that my dedication to my studies needs to be celebrated,” he says. “To my family, as the first graduate, it means there is someone who is lifting up the family name and who has the ability to take them out of poverty. It hurts that my mother is not here to see all of that.”
His journey at the UFS was, by his own description, a rollercoaster ride. From his first year to his final year, Saba experienced both triumphs and devastating setbacks. The most painful included being injured during a mugging after he’d been locked out of his accommodation due to late payments; losing his family home to a fire – and, just a week later, losing his mother to stress related to the tragedy.
“It affected me so badly that I was always having meltdowns, and my academics suffered to the point that I had to repeat some modules,” he recalls. “That added another year to my degree.”
Strength through support
In his darkest moments, it was his family that kept him going. “The thought that there are people back home who are proud to know that their son and brother is chasing a better life for all of us is what kept me going,” he says. Support from the university also played a critical role. Saba made use of free counselling sessions and participated in the faculty’s
It Takes a Village programme, through which students share their struggles and encourage one another.
Friendships and study groups with classmates became another source of strength during periods of doubt. “Yes, there were moments when I felt like I would never finish,” he admits. “But my friends and classmates motivated me to push through.”
A future shaped by faith and resilience
Today, Saba reflects on a journey that has broadened his understanding of religion, strengthened his faith, and reshaped his outlook on life. He speaks with gratitude for the lecturers, tutors and academic advisors who supported him, including
Siphokazi Khumalo, Teaching and Learning Manager in the Faculty of Theology and Religion, noting how the welcoming environment and guidance he received made navigating his studies a truly positive experience.
Being the first graduate in his family is a responsibility he carries with pride. “It means that I have made my family proud, and that I am inspiring my younger siblings to continue their studies after matric.”
To students facing hardship, his message is simple yet powerful: “You are not alone. Lean on the support services, your friends, and your academic advisors. Your background is a source of strength. Remember that there are people who are proud of you. Giving up means shattering not only your dream, but the dreams of everyone who believes in you.”