Xichavo Irvin Makhubele, from a rural village in Limpopo, is the first in his family to attend university. He completed his Bachelor of Public Administration Honours at Stellenbosch University while working for the City of Johannesburg. His graduation was a deeply emotional milestone, shared with family travelling across the country to witness his achievement.

Handré Muller graduated with a master’s degree in physiological sciences from Stellenbosch University. A school outreach visit by SU academics sparked her passion for science and set her on a path into research. Her achievements show the power of mentorship, perseverance and the long-term impact of investing in young minds.

Twin sisters Clio and KD Sass graduated on the same day from Stellenbosch University, decades after their mother’s studies were disrupted by apartheid. Their mother, who died of cancer when they were young, was detained for anti-apartheid activism and forced to abandon her medical degree before later completing a BSc in dietetics. For the sisters, their milestone honours the sacrifices of their parents and their mom’s legacy of resilience.

Delayed but never deterred, Caitlin Leigh Sampson has overcome adversity to graduate cum laude. She graduates just three weeks after giving birth. Sampson hopes to inspire her two sons to rise above obstacles in pursuit of their dreams.

Growing up in Kimberley, Casey-Lee Anthony dreamed of one day becoming a magazine editor in New York. She first applied for an honours degree in journalism at SU in 2021 but failed to make the cut. The determined aspiring journalist persisted, gained practical media experience and became part of SU’s Journalism Class of 2025 that is graduating this week.

Prof Abdulrazak Gurnah received the degree Doctor of Literature (DLitt) honoris causa. Honoured for enriching world literature with stories that connect cultures and reveal our shared humanity. He emphasised how humanities help us navigate the difficult times we’re living in.

Obtained doctorate in Afrikaans and Dutch. Had to overcome several challenges on her way to success. Wants to help give communities like Atlantis a voice.

Dr Elana Ryklief, an NRF scholarship holder, graduated with a PhD in English Studies from SU, completing the degree in just three years. Her research draws on her lived experience as a transgender woman to challenge dominant narratives about gender transition and representation. Growing up in Steenberg, she is the first coloured trans woman from the community to earn a PhD from the University’s Department of English.

Sunelle Hanekom, a long-serving staff member at Stellenbosch Business School, graduated with an MPhil in Science and Technology Studies. After starting her career as a typist and a PA, she returned to formal study later in life and completed her master’s degree with flying colours. The final months of studies were shaped by personal hardship after her husband suffered a stroke, yet she persevered.

What started as a hobby to cope with pain evolved into an academic journey. Living with a chronic illness led Annie de Villiers to find solace in birding. She has travelled extensively to share the so-called ‘crane gospel’ about the importance of our national bird as a historical icon.