Graduating in Spirit
COMMEMORATED: The family of Business Management student Nontombi “Thami” Mapundu attended her graduation after she passed away one month ago
Wednesday, 20 April 2022
The family of a CPUT student who tragically passed away just a month before her graduation made sure she was there in spirit this week.
Despite battling lymphoma cancer, Nontombi “Thami” Mapundu applied herself to her studies and was excited to graduate in the CPUT Autumn Grad series. She also had plans to continue her studies into Project Management, however she passed away at the age of 30 leaving behind her grief stricken mother and three siblings.
On Thursday evening, Thami’s mother, Phelokazi Mapundu, and brother, Mpumelelo Mapundu, attended her graduation ceremony, with her brother symbolically wearing his sister’s graduation gown and sash. The family were seated in the front row along with other family and friends.
Phelokazi says Thami was her last born and the light of her life.
“We wanted to commemorate her dedication to her studies and thank God for the victory he gave her in being able to graduate.
She was a beloved child and made me very proud,” she says.
Mpumelelo says it was important for his mother and himself to attend the graduation because his sister looked forward to attending.
“We believe and know that Thami is here with us in spirit,” he says.
Written by Lauren Kansley
Tel: +27 21 953 8646
Email: kansleyl@cput.ac.za
Liaises with the media and writes press releases about interesting developments at CPUT.
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