Former South African President Jacob Zuma stepped into the role of proud grandfather on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, when he sat in the audience at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Spring Graduation and watched his granddaughter, Mpilo Zondi, walk across the stage to receive her Bachelor of Social Sciences degree.
The university shared the moment on its official Facebook page, noting that Zuma cheered from the stands as Mpilo completed her milestone achievement at the institution.
How many graduates graduated from UKZN?
Mpilo was among 1,665 graduates that UKZN celebrated during its Spring Graduation week, a ceremony that brought together families, friends and well-wishers to mark the academic achievements of the class of 2026.
The image of a former head of state setting aside the weight of public life to celebrate a family member resonated widely, capturing a deeply personal side of Zuma that rarely makes headlines.
UKZN, one of South Africa’s leading research universities, extended its congratulations directly to Mpilo in the post, recognising her achievement alongside hundreds of other graduates marking the end of their undergraduate journeys.
