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18 April 2024 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Leonie Bolleurs
Nkosingiphile Zondi
Nkosingiphile Zondi graduated with a BAgric Mixed Farming degree. In March, he also released his first music album, Ngingohlakaniphile.

If you have ever browsed music on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Music and came across the 15-track album, Ngingohlakaniphile, you would never have guessed that the young man on the cover – dressed in light colours of grey and white – has another passion: farming.

Nkosingiphile Zondi, hailing from a small rural area called Tugela Ferry in KwaZulu-Natal, graduated with a Bachelor of Agriculture, majoring in Mixed Farming Management, at the April graduation ceremonies of the University of the Free State (UFS).

According to Zondi, his love for nature, animals, and their well-being motivated him to pursue a degree in mixed farming.

Two milestone events in one month

Zondi, who describes himself as open to new ideas, hardworking, and someone who values respect (something his parents taught him), says he is excited and grateful for achieving two milestones: obtaining his degree and releasing his first album, both within a month's time (his album was released on 22 March 2024). “I have never been so happy in my life,” he remarks.

Regarding balancing farming and music in the future, he says it won't be a problem because he managed to do both in the past few years. Dr Phumudzo Tharaga, Lecturer in Agrometeorology in the Department of Soil, Crop, and Climate Sciences, says that Zondi managed to graduate in record time while pursuing his music career. “This is a unique talent,” he comments.

He believes that his music will help people see life from a different perspective. “Life is not only about struggles. There's also happiness after struggling. I hope that my music can heal people, ease the pain at times, and bring them happiness,” he says.

People to relate to the messages in his songs

On the other hand, he hopes that his music can generate income, which he believes will be helpful if he wants to own a farm. He looks forward to his music bringing him a better life.

Zondi describes his music as maskanda (traditional), representing the Zulu culture. “Those interested in the culture can gain something through this music. When I compose or write a song, I ensure that people can relate to the message being delivered,” he says, adding that his songs reflect people’s lives, often his own, as well as everyday occurrences.

He features as the lead guitarist and also handles vocals and composition. Zondi is accompanied by other musicians on bass guitar, keyboard, and concertina. 

News Archive

UFS honours more than 250 former students with national colours in sport
2007-11-01

The Kovsie Alumni Trust of the University of the Free State (UFS) will be honouring more than 250 former students who obtained national colours in various sporting codes over the years during a gala dinner on Saturday, 3 November 2007 on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.

This will be the first time in the history of the UFS that so many sportsmen and women who studied at the UFS will be honoured for their achievements at the same time.

During Saturday’s dinner 100 of the 250 former students will be present to receive their special awards. This includes among others Springbok rugby players such as the brothers Eben and Joggie Jansen, Nelie Smit, Edrich Krantz, Theuns Stofberg, Jannie du Plessis, Meyer Bosman and Hendro Scholtz. Some of the sport stars in other sporting codes who will also be present include Hennie Pretorius for athletics; Stephen Brink and Heinrich Brüssow for Sevens Rugby; Frans Botma for under water hockey; Hannette Bruwer and Annarie Store for netball; Annette Bekker for hockey and Corrie van Zyl and Gerhardus Liebenberg for cricket.

Special mention will also be given to the first sportsman and woman at the UFS, namely Joggie Jansen and Annette Bekker.

During the ceremony the tenth year of the Kovsie Alumni Trust’s existence will also be celebrated. The Trust, who is the main sponsor of the Matriculant of the Year Award, offers financial aid to many underprivileged and disabled students to help them complete their studies and supplies bursaries to prospective students.

The awards will be handed over by Mr Harold Verster, President of the Free State Rugby Union, and Danie Niehaus will be the guest artist.

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za  
31 October 2007
 

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