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Thursday June 4, 2026 | 047 050 4430 | Facebook: Mthatha Express | mthathaexpress@novusmedia.co.za
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From grief to graduation The Parish Hall in Dutywa overflowed on Saturday with supporters who travelled to celebrate Simanye Tonono. Earlier this month, he graduated from the University of Fort Hare with a Bachelor of Agriculture and 22 distinctions. It is the fulfilment of a vow made at the lowest point of his life. A few months into his first year, Tonono returned home to Chizela Village to bury his entire immediate family. Standing before his mother and siblings’ graves as the only surviving child, he promised to hold on, to study, and to make a success of himself. Read the full story on page 7. Pictured are Simanye Tonono and social entrepreneur and motivational speaker, Babalwa Mbuku, who came in from Johannesburg for the celebration. PHOTO: SUPPLIED