Seven members of the same Eastern Cape family have been honoured for their commitment to education, with six graduating from universities and colleges across SA thanks to the efforts of their patriarch, marking a generational triumph of perseverance.
At a ceremony in Mtibaneni village, Ngcobo, on Wednesday, the Plaatjie family honoured the academic achievements of siblings and relatives whose qualifications span public management, tourism, finance, operations, and software engineering.
Their success, celebrated in front of community members and dignitaries, underscored the family’s long-standing commitment to education.
Among the graduates was Luntu Mketelwa, who obtained a national diploma in local government finance and an advanced diploma in public management at Walter Sisulu University.
Zamanqabashe Zintle Plaatjie completed a diploma in operations in 2024 and is now pursuing an advanced diploma in operations management at the University of Johannesburg.
Lonwabo Plaatjie earned a national diploma in tourism management in 2016 and, in 2024, a certificate in supply chain management from Walter Sisulu University.
Zimbini Plaatjie obtained National Diploma in Building and Civil Engineering at King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College.
Thembelihle Plaatjie qualified in financial management at Buffalo City TVET College, while Sanelisiwe Bofungana holds a national diploma in business and office administration (2019) and will complete a higher certificate in software engineering in 2025.
For the Plaatjies, education is a family legacy rooted in the determination of 70-year-old patriarch Vuyisa Plaatjie, the sixth family member honoured, who left school after then standard 6 [grade 8], but dedicated much of his life to building schools for others.
Despite limited formal education, Vuyisa channelled his resources into establishing Dalibuhle Junior Secondary School in Zimbane, Mthatha — named after his clan — and AV Plaatjie Senior Secondary School in New Payne, which carries his name.
To make them a reality, he donated 4,000 bricks from his business and converted 12 rental flats into what became a high school. Both schools have since been absorbed into the public system and continue to post strong results.
MEC for co-operative governance and traditional affairs, Zolile Williams, congratulated the family.
“You ran a good race. Studying was not a walk in the park, but you stood firm until the finishing line,” he told them.
“Rewind your memories to the days when you had to study throughout the night. Think about the invigilator walking quietly in the exam room, glancing at your answer sheet, and you panicking. Yet, despite all those trials and tribulations, you never gave up.”
Motivated partly by safety concerns — too many children were killed in road accidents while travelling long distances to school — Vuyisa sought to bring education into the heart of the community.
His efforts not only created opportunities for his own children but also transformed access to learning for countless others.
His wife, Nosango Plaatjie, 61, expressed her pride in seeing the next generation carry that vision forward. “I’m overjoyed that my children are putting education first so they can become better people,” she said. “Because of financial issues, I could not finish my studies after grade 12, so it melts my heart to see my children doing better than I did.”
The family chose to hold the graduation celebration at their home school to inspire pupils there.
“You must never forget where your roots are,” Nosango said.
For the younger graduates, the journey was anything but easy. Zamanqabashe, 26, recalled the emotional toll of late nights, exam pressure, and anxiety.
“Studying was not easy at all. I was really emotionally challenged and under so much pressure, especially when I had to prepare for exams. I would have anxiety, but I had to push through because I wanted to pass,” she said.
What kept her going was the example set by her parents.
“I looked up to them and realised I wanted to be like them and own businesses. That’s what motivated me to keep pushing.”
The story of the Plaatjie family is not just about degrees and diplomas. It is about the intergenerational impact of one man’s decision to prioritise education, and the way that choice continues to ripple outwards — empowering his children, strengthening his community, and inspiring others to follow the same path.
Daily Dispatch
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