Proud parents from left, Botha Lebatla, CUT employee and father, Ms Lebohang Lebatla, the first graduate in the family, and Mrs Nozintle Lebatla, her mother, celebrate a special family milestone at the CUT 2026 Autumn Graduation.

As graduates gather to mark this important milestone, the theme “Sailing into a New Horizon” comes vividly to life, symbolising a journey shaped by learning, growth, resilience, and hope. The ceremony reflects not only academic achievement, but also a powerful transition as students step forward as confident individuals, ready to navigate new paths beyond the institution and into the world.

Among the graduates, Lebohang Lebatla from the Faculty of Humanities, who is receiving her Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (Languages), stands out as she reaches a historic milestone for her family. As the first person in her family to obtain a university qualification, her achievement carries a weight far beyond personal success, it represents a breakthrough moment that reshapes her family’s story and inspires future generations.

For Lebohang, the journey has been one of perseverance, growth, and unwavering support. Her time at CUT has provided her with more than just academic knowledge; it has offered her guidance, encouragement, and a nurturing environment that has shaped both her intellect and her character. Reflecting on her journey since 2021, she speaks with gratitude about the opportunities she has received and the people who have walked alongside her, helping her become the person she is today.

At the heart of Lebohang’s success is her father, Mr Botha Lebatla, a dedicated employee at CUT whose pride and joy are deeply felt in this defining moment. Watching his daughter graduate is more than a proud parent’s moment, it is the fulfilment of a long-held dream. With emotion in his voice, he shares, “This is a deeply emotional and significant moment for me. It has always been my dream to see my daughter graduate, and today that dream has come true.”

His words carry both pride and gratitude as he continues, “I am so proud to see her fulfilling her dream of becoming a teacher. I am also proud because she is the family’s first graduate. I am truly grateful to my employer for the employee dependent study support benefit, which helped make this dream possible.”

His appreciation speaks not only to his daughter’s achievement but also to the support systems that made it possible, reminding us that behind every graduate is a network of belief, sacrifice, and opportunity.

Lebohang, too, reflects on this moment with deep emotion and gratitude. “Graduating is a huge achievement for my family, especially my father, who is happier than anyone,” she shares. “He is so proud of me and has assured me many times.” Her words beautifully capture the essence of this milestone where one person’s accomplishment becomes a shared victory, filled with love, pride, and collective joy.

Beyond her academic success, Lebohang speaks warmly of the sense of belonging she has found within the CUT community. She describes it as being part of a larger, driven, and ambitious family, one that is committed to growth, excellence, and making a meaningful difference in society. This connection highlights the university’s role not only in educating students, but in shaping compassionate, purpose-driven individuals who carry their values into the world.

For the Lebatla family, this graduation marks a turning point, a moment where dreams once imagined have become reality. It opens doors, creates new possibilities, and sets a powerful example for future generations to believe in what is possible. It is a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring strength of family support.

As CUT continues to celebrate its graduates under the banner of “Sailing into a New Horizon,” stories like Lebohang Lebatla’s remind us of the true spirit of graduation. It is a journey defined not only by academic success, but by resilience, gratitude, sacrifice, and love; a journey that breaks barriers, uplifts families, and lights the way for others to follow.