The University of Johannesburg’s graduation season is often a celebration of academic excellence, but for Lehumo Surprise Dibakoane, it carried a deeper meaning — a powerful full-circle moment shaped by leadership, resilience and community values.

At just 22, the President of the 21st UJ Student Representative Council (SRC) recently exchanged his leadership regalia for a graduation gown, marking the completion of his initial teaching degree. Without pause, he has already embarked on the next chapter of his academic journey, pursuing a BEd Honours in Curriculum Studies.

Originally from Acornhoek in Bushbuckridge, Dibakoane’s journey reflects a determination to make the most of every opportunity afforded to him. While his achievement placed him firmly in the spotlight, he remains grounded in the sacrifices made by his family — particularly his grandmother, Kokwane Diana Malomane, who raised him from the age of two.

Although she could not attend the ceremony due to ill health, her influence remains central to his success. Dibakoane credits her for instilling the values of education and perseverance, describing his qualification as a shared victory and a fulfilment of her lifelong encouragement.

He also acknowledges the critical role played by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), emphasising the importance of not taking such opportunities for granted.

Unlike many graduates who view their degrees as an endpoint, Dibakoane sees his as a stepping stone towards greater impact. His passion for education was ignited during his time in the Bohlabela Education District, where he began serving his community as early as Grade 9. Inspired by the transformative power of teaching, he often supported classmates through tutoring, particularly during assessment periods.

This commitment now informs his academic research, which focuses on parental involvement in schools facing socio-economic challenges — a subject closely tied to the realities of communities like his own.

Balancing the demands of SRC leadership with academic responsibilities was no easy feat. Dibakoane attributes his success to a strong support system of peers and comrades who encouraged discipline and accountability. Even during periods of exhaustion, he remained committed to his studies, often joining others in 24-hour study sessions.

He offers clear advice to fellow students: remain disciplined and focused on your purpose. He cautions that without these qualities, university life can easily distract from the very reason students enrol.

As he continues his journey as both an Honours student and SRC President, Dibakoane is redefining what success means. For him, the concept of “wealth” extends beyond personal achievement to encompass humility, service and collective progress.

With his graduation now complete, he stands as an inspiring example to young people in Mpumalanga and beyond — demonstrating that academic success, when paired with purposeful leadership, can drive meaningful change.