He studied nursing — and graduated cum laude. Tshikamuroho, a name now synonymous with excellence. Photo Credit: France Nkhapele
By Jeanette Makhura -ulpublications@ul.ac.za
Hailing from the modest village of Lamvi in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, and raised by her mother with limited means, Rider Tshikamuroho has achieved what once seemed impossible—graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Nursing Science
For a young man raised in a rural village, this achievement, conferred during the University of Limpopo’s (UL) 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremonies, represents far more than a degree—it is a dream realised against all odds. Tshikamuroho was raised by a devoted mother who supported the family solely through a social grant.
“Despite her love and sacrifices, she simply couldn’t provide the financial support I needed,” he shares. “That reality shaped my entire university experience.”
While he qualified for assistance from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), the support was often inconsistent. “Delays in payments left me feeling stranded and anxious,” he recalls.
“There were days when I genuinely didn’t know how I would make it to the next lecture or even complete the semester. I faced impossible choices, constantly weighed down by financial insecurity while trying to keep up with my studies.”
While his peers embraced the full social experience of university life, Tshikamuroho often found himself on the sidelines.
“I watched as other students laughed, went out with friends, and enjoyed life. I stayed behind—not by choice, but because I couldn’t afford to join them. I often wondered what it would feel like to experience university without the constant burden of survival.”
Yet it was this very struggle that became his driving force.
“Failure wasn’t an option. I had no safety net, no one to fall back on. I wasn’t just studying for a degree—I was fighting for a better life. I wanted to be a breakthrough for my family.”
Despite the adversity he faced, Tshikamuroho credits the University of Limpopo for playing a pivotal role in his transformation.
“The University’s counselling services helped keep me grounded when I felt like giving up. The departmental staff guided me in managing my time, and several lecturers stood by me during financial difficulties.”
His clinical training demanded early mornings in hospital wards and long nights of studying—a balance that stretched him to his limits.
“There were times I went straight from hospital rounds to lectures—exhausted but determined,” he said. “I had to be mentally and physically present, even when everything inside me wanted to give up.”
Mentorship became a powerful tool in his journey. He expresses deep gratitude to the lecturers and supervisors who invested in his growth.
“Their belief in me gave me the strength to believe in myself.”
A defining part of his development came through UL’s tutorship programme, where he served as a tutor for two years, supporting and uplifting his peers.
“The programme not only strengthened my leadership and study skills—it taught me the value of showing up for others. It gave me purpose.”
Now a proud graduate, Tshikamuroho enters the nursing profession with more than a certificate—he carries a profound sense of purpose and responsibility.
“The University has shaped me into someone who prioritises patients and remains calm even in chaos. I’m ready—not just to work, but to serve.”
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