Mr Azwidohwi Michael Ramagoma, an assets manager at the Department of Water and Sanitation Construction North, was applauded for the example he is setting for especially young people during a celebration of his graduation and his 48th birthday.
Ramagoma obtained his BCom Hons degree in business management from the University of South Africa, with a focus on strategic management and supply-chain management. The graduation ceremony took place on 5 May at Bolivia Lodge in Polokwane. To commemorate his achievement, a celebration ceremony was organised in Malamulele on his birthday on 24 June, where he was joined by family and friends.
The event was attended by dignitaries such as acting Judge Mususumeli Beauty Madavha from the Thohoyandou High Court, Prof Takalani Mashau, Cllr Rapson Rambuwani, and Pastor Humbelani Nengwenani.
Originally from the rural village of Ha Budeli, Ramagoma has pursued a path of education throughout his life. In 1999, he obtained his first BA degree in political science from the former Rand Afrikaans University (now the University of Johannesburg). He furthered his studies and earned a BA Honours degree in development studies in 2002 from the University of Venda. In 2012, Ramagoma registered for a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, which he completed in 2016 while working full-time.
Despite his previous accomplishments, Ramagoma decided to continue his studies and successfully obtained his BCom Hons in business management at the age of 48.
Ramagoma expressed his desire to celebrate his achievements to inspire young people to take their education seriously. Coming from a disadvantaged background, he emphasised the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving success. Pastor Humbelani Nengwenani, speaking at the ceremony, praised Ramagoma as a symbol of success and a shining example of the rewards that come from determination and hard work.