When Dr Andile Mkhungo graduated this month as one of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s top medical graduates for 2026, his mother, Ms Philile Mkhungo, watched from the audience in tears.
Growing up in Umlazi’s D Section informal settlement, he never imagined he’d one day graduate with an MBChB from the UKZN Medical School — one of the most competitive institutions of its kind in the country.
He now works as a medical intern at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto.
For his family, the graduation marked the outcome of years of sacrifice and persistence.
“It was a day that the Lord has made,” said Philile Mkhungo, who works as a domestic worker.
Mkhungo completed his MBChB with top honours, placing among the highest-performing students in UKZN’s class of 2026.
How an Umlazi student became a top UKZN medical graduate
Mkhungo attended Zwelibanzi High School in Umlazi, where he completed matric in 2019 with seven distinctions and an overall aggregate of 90%. His marks included 92% for Physical Sciences, 86% for Mathematics and 81% for English.
The school has consistently produced strong matric results despite operating with limited resources. Despite those challenges, it has maintained a multi-year matric pass rate averaging above 82%, with a peak recorded pass rate of 95%.
While at Zwelibanzi High, Mkhungo also participated in the Engen Mathematics and Science School Programme hosted by Mangosuthu University of Technology, where he placed second.
Zwelibanzi operates within the uMlazi district — consistently one of KwaZulu-Natal’s top-performing matric districts, a province that continues to rank among the country’s strongest education performers.
Mkhungo credited former principal Mr Sbusiso Nkosinathi Maseko with helping shape his academic direction. Maseko — back in 2007 — received national recognition as a leading science teacher. This despite working in an under-resourced environment.
Inside UKZN’s competitive MBChB programme
Admission into UKZN’s MBChB programme remains highly competitive. The Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine receives about 12 000 applications each year for roughly 250 first-year places.
Mkhungo entered the programme on scholarship support, easing financial pressure at home.
“Graduating as one of the top students in the MBChB programme is one of the proudest moments of my life,” he said.
“It represents the dedication, discipline and perseverance I poured into my six-year medical journey.”
He said losing his grandmother to diabetes-related complications influenced his decision to pursue medicine.
“Witnessing how chronic illness can affect families inspired me to pursue Medicine and dedicate my life to caring for patients with similar conditions,” he said.
Medical training at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital
Mkhungo now serves as a medical intern at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital — the third-largest hospital in the world, per Africa Check verification.
“Working in such a demanding and dynamic environment has been both humbling and empowering,” he said.
“It exposes me daily to complex clinical cases and reinforces my commitment to becoming a compassionate and competent physician.”
He plans to specialise in Internal Medicine and has also developed an interest in Radiology.
Mkhungo said several lecturers and mentors helped shape his training, including Professor Bilkish Cassim, Professor Ayesha Motala, Dr Fraser Pirie, Dr Ashraff Moosa, Dr Nokwazi Shandu, Dr Onke Nonkala, Dr Sandile Kubheka and Dr Thabani Nkwanyana.
“Through their mentorship, I truly discovered my sense of belonging in Internal Medicine,” he said.
UKZN’s 2026 graduation class reflects resilience
A total of 9 586 students graduated during UKZN’s Autumn Graduation ceremonies, held between May 4 and May 15, 2026, at the Westville campus.
Women accounted for 66% of the graduating class, including 72% of cum laude graduates and 73% of summa cum laude achievers.
According to the university, the 2026 cohort reflected both academic achievement and resilience across multiple disciplines.
UKZN Executive Director of Corporate Relations Ms Normah Zondo said the graduation ceremonies highlighted the role of higher education in preparing graduates to contribute to society.
“From inspiring personal stories to strong academic performance across disciplines, these ceremonies highlight the value of higher education in shaping capable and engaged graduates,” she said.
“This cohort reflects both intellectual achievement and a commitment to contributing to society.”
The domestic worker who helped raise a top medical graduate
Mkhungo said his mother and aunt, Ms Ayanda Mkhungo-Fakazi, played a central role throughout his studies.
“Their sacrifices, encouragement and unwavering belief in my potential gave me the strength to keep pushing forward even during the most difficult times,” he said.
Outside medicine, Mkhungo is preparing to run the Comrades Marathon, the 89-kilometre ultramarathon between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
He said the discipline required for marathon training mirrors the mindset that helped him complete medical school.
His personal motto remains simple: “If you don’t do it, no one will do it for you.”
UKZN graduate hopes to inspire Umlazi youth
Mkhungo said he hopes his journey encourages young people from disadvantaged communities to pursue higher education and professional careers.
“My story is a reminder that one’s background does not determine one’s future,” he said.
“I hope that my journey can inspire young people from communities like Umlazi and other disadvantaged areas to believe that their dreams are valid and achievable.”
For his family, the graduation represented far more than an academic qualification. It marked a milestone reached through years of support, discipline and persistence.
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