From humble beginnings to multiple milestones

April and May 2026 will be the pinnacle of years of perseverance for Mfundo Radebe, who will celebrate the completion of three qualifications from three tertiary institutions – an extraordinary testament to discipline and dedication.

The recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award graduated with a Master of Public Relations and Communication Management during this morning’s graduation ceremony for the Faculty of Informatics and Design.

While pursuing his Master’s degree, he enrolled for the Postgraduate Diploma in Research Supervision at the University of Johannesburg and is scheduled to graduate next month.

“In addition, I will be awarded a certificate upon completing the Early Career Academic Advancement Programme (ECAAP), a professional development programme designed to strengthen the capacity and calibre of emerging academics at Nelson Mandela University.”

Radebe’s journey traces back uMzimkhulu in KwaZulu-Natal, where he grew up in KwaNjunga. As a young child, there were concerns about his ability to socialise.

“In 1997, my mother, Nosisa Radebe, enrolled me in a pre-school because I was not speaking to others, and there were concerns about my antisocial behaviour. It was there that Ms Sosibo played a pivotal role in my development, helping me find my voice and learn how to socialise with others.”

He said that despite attending under-resourced schools this period of his education helped him develop a strong sense of confidence and resilience.

His dedication to his work paid off when he completed his Master’s coursework with a 75% average and was announced as one of the recipients of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestigious Achievers Award, which covered his tuition fees.

His Master’s journey also provided opportunities to present his research at three international conferences.

“In 2024, I presented my research progress titled The Appropriation of Social Media into News Production Processes in Selected Community Radio Stations in Gqeberha at the U6+ Consortium International Conference, which was held at the District Six Campus.”

In 2025, he travelled to Bangkok to present a paper derived from my master’s research titled Appropriation of TikTok into News Production Processes in Selected Community Radio Stations in Gqeberha at the 10th World Conference on Media and Mass Communication.

“Furthermore, in November 2025, I presented another paper, which is currently in the pipeline for publication, in Kyoto at the 16th Asian Conference on Media, Communication and Film (MediAsia2025).”

Radebe said he was grateful to his supervisor, Assoc Prof Blessing Makwambeni, for his influence, guidance, and unwavering support.

“I also acknowledge the lecturers at CPUT who believed in and supported me: Dr Joseph Adebayo, Dr Trust Matsilele, former co-supervisor now at Birmingham City University (UK), Dr Helena Van Wyk, Dean of Postgraduate Studies, and Research at IMM Graduate School, and Dr Hermon Ogbamichael.”

He also acknowledged his colleagues at Nelson Mandela University for their support as well as this friends who supported and encouraged him throughout his journey.

“I dedicate this achievement to my parents, Kaizer Lington and Nosisa Radebe. Although my father did not have the opportunity to be formally educated, he ensured that we attended school and valued learning. He named me Mfundo—a name that reflects his deep belief in the importance of education, a value I continue to live by.

“My mother played an equally significant role in my academic journey, consistently supporting and guiding me. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to my uncle, Mlulamisi Nkomo Ayifaswa Mjoli, whose encouragement to pursue education was deeply rooted in his own experience of not being able to attend university due to financial constraints in our family.”

Makwambeni described Radebe as an enthusiastic and diligent student who excelled in his studies.

“It is rare for a Master’s student to have published a conference proceeding and have a book chapter in print before graduation. He has a very bright future as a scholar”.

Written by Ilse Fredericks
Email: Frederickskennediji@cput.ac.za