The Blackenberg twins’ journey with Stellenbosch University (SU) began in high school – and this week, they graduated together from the same faculty.

Born in Atlantis and raised in Dura Flats, Divano and Diego joined the Stellenbosch University Centre for Pedagogy (SUNCEP) programme from Grade 7 to Grade 10. In their final two years of high school, they also participated in the University’s Talent Development Programme.

Both achieved distinctions in their final matric examinations.

“Growing up in an area deeply affected by gangsterism and crime, higher education often felt out of reach. Despite the challenges, we remained focused on our dream of attending SU,” says Diego. 

As identical twins, the two are “very close”, shares Divano. “For the first 15 years of our lives, we were our mother’s only children, which strengthened our bond.” Diego agrees, adding: “We grew up sharing everything, sometimes even a single sweet. Our mom always taught us to look out for each other, and that mindset has never left us. I’ve never viewed things as ‘mine’; it has always been ‘ours’.”

Their success this week did not come without challenges. The twins lost their father to liver failure when they were just six years old, and in their third year at university, their mother was diagnosed with cancer. “It affected us deeply, both as students and as her children. By the grace of God, she overcame it, making our graduation even more meaningful,” says Divano.

Both twins changed the course of their degrees during their studies. Divano initially pursued electrical engineering before switching to mechanical engineering in his second year. “I realised how much I enjoyed the practicality, problem-solving and design aspects. I have no regrets – it was the right decision.” Diego, meanwhile, moved from chemical engineering to mechatronic engineering. “As I learned more about different engineering fields, I became fascinated by mechatronics, especially areas involving drones and integrated systems.”

Being able to experience university together helped them through difficult times. “Always having someone to rely on was a major highlight. The transition to university is difficult, but having my brother there made it easier. We supported each other through challenges and celebrated the good moments together,” reflects Divano. 

Studying together also kept them motivated. “We pushed each other to do our best without competing against each other.” Diego concurs, adding: “Whenever the academic load or personal challenges felt heavy, we could support one another. Studying together made the entire experience less overwhelming and far more meaningful.”

Both graduates credit their mother as their biggest inspiration. “Her sacrifices, strength and faith in God guided us. She taught us perseverance, hard work and resilience – values we carried throughout our studies,” shares Divano. Diego adds that being the first in their family to attend SU came with its own sense of responsibility and challenges, motivating them to strive for success.

Divano advises aspiring students from similar circumstances to never stop dreaming. “Even if your goals seem out of reach, don’t give up. Believe in yourself, trust in God, and work hard consistently. Your background does not define your future. Keep pushing forward – things will fall into place.”