Inspired to dream big by Madiba magic

As a child, Monde Matebese not only received marbles and a toy at Nelson Mandela's Christmas parties, but he also left with a dream.

On Thursday night that dream came true. The 21-year-old received a BComm degree in accounting, making him the first member of his family to graduate from university.

For three years from the age of seven, Matebese joined many children from villages around Mandela's home in Qunu in the Eastern Cape for the Christmas parties.

He remembers Madiba "always" putting an emphasis on education at these parties. "He often told us that education is the best inheritance that a child can receive from their parents ."

Matebese admits that he was more excited about the gifts than shaking Madiba's hand, but he realised the importance of his message once he matriculated.

"I had to be living proof in my village that education does open doors, like Mandela said. Plus, I knew that with only a matric certificate I would either get a job as a security guard, gardener or retail worker and I didn't want that," he said.

As he walked onto the University of Johannesburg stage, his mother, Nosakhiwo, ululated and whistled. His beaming father, Mhoyeni, looked on in pride.

"I just couldn't miss it. I never thought one of my own children will get this far," said his mother, who had travelled from Qunu.

"As a security guard I didn't have enough money to pay for his tertiary education, but he managed to secure financial assistance from the government student loan service," said his father.

Mandela hosted the parties between 1992 and 2003 and children would wake up at 5am to be at his gates when they opened.

Nokanyiso Matikinca also attended the parties. Her mother, Beauty Matikinca, remembered taking her four children to a party in 1996. She walked for 3km, carrying her youngest on her back . "None of my children had new clothes and the only thing on my mind was getting a plate of food for each of them . The food was delicious ."

Nokanyiso, 20, who was three at the time, does not remember much - and although she started school much later than her peers, she is determined to finish matric and to study to become a social worker.