Graduation 2025

Academic and Author: Nxumalo is an esteemed academic and author, with degrees from the University of South Africa, the University of Zululand, and Harvard University.

Teaching Experience: He has taught at various institutions, including the Governor's School of New Jersey, Lesley College, Harvard University, and the University of Zululand.

Literary Contributions: Nxumalo has contributed to literature as a poet and biographer, advocating for African stories and voices.

Qualifications

• BA Honours (Unisa)
• Master in Education (Harvard)
• Master in Public Administration (Harvard)
• D.Litt et Phil (honoris cause - UNISA)
• Doctor in Education (Harvard University)

Summary of the Speech

Education is a powerful tool for community upliftment and transformation. Grandmothers play a crucial but often unrecognized role in supporting children's education, sometimes making personal sacrifices to ensure their schooling. Christian values and ethical principles should be integrated into education to create a well-rounded and morally grounded society.

KwaSizabantu's Cedar International Academy builds on this tradition, striving to equip students with critical thinking skills, ethical grounding, and practical knowledge to serve their communities effectively.

There is a pressing need to reform education systems to address unemployment and equip graduates with entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills. Curricula should include subjects that instill values such as ethics, governance, servant leadership, and cultural awareness to create responsible leaders. Many challenges, including corruption, socio-economic struggles, and unfulfilled promises, can be linked to a lack of value-based education.

True success is not merely obtaining a degree but using education to uplift others, address social injustices, and build a self-sufficient society. Graduates must take responsibility for shaping the future, ensuring that education serves as a means to empower communities rather than just personal advancement. The evolving landscape of technology and artificial intelligence poses new challenges, making it crucial for education to prepare individuals adequately for the future. The responsibility to drive meaningful change lies with the next generation of graduates.

Joy Magazine - Cedar International Academy graduation ceremony celebrated the remarkable achievements of its graduates!