“The enablers of my dreams” – Graduate reflects on a journey not walked alone

In a heartfelt letter, Gift Malapane (30), who obtained a Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology at TUT today, 23 April, says that this journey was never walked alone and lives in gratitude and memories.

Gift Malapane (30) obtained a Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology during a Faculty of Arts and Design graduation ceremony at the Pretoria Campus this morning, 23 April. Dear esteemed mentors, lecturers and guiding souls of my journey,

I would like to take a moment to honour every one of you who played a meaningful role in my university journey, a journey that tested me, shaped me and ultimately reminded me why I should never give up in life.

For three years, I have been chasing a dream: To one day be known as Adonis_Gift, the Fashion Designer who graduated from the Tshwane University of Technology.

Today, I stand at the edge of that dream becoming a reality. And, I know with absolute certainty: I did not get here alone.

FIRST YEAR (2023): THE FOUNDATION
To Mr @Boitumelo Mekwa, you stepped into my life not only as a lecturer, but as a father figure at a time when I needed one the most. While I was battling to be understood at home, you saw something in me worth nurturing. You believed in my potential even when I doubted my own strengths. Today, I stand stronger because of that belief.

To Dr @Aubrey Ramatla, your story shifted something in me. You reminded me that greatness can come from uncertainty and that purpose does not always begin with clarity, but with courage. Your journey gave me permission to believe that my own dream was valid.

To Ausi @Aphiwe Ngcethane, many saw a machinist. I saw an angel in motion. Your resilience, your dedication and your unseen labour taught me that not all heroes stand in front of the classroom. Some quietly hold everything together.

SECOND YEAR (2024): THE AWAKENING
To Ma’am @Daphney Kobe, you became a mother figure in my journey. Through your guidance, I began to truly believe in my gift. You reminded me that being different is not a weakness, it is a calling. All because of you, I stepped into spaces I once thought I didn’t belong in.

To @Rose-Mary Naidoo, you became a bridge between where I was and where I dreamed of being. Through you, I walked into opportunities aligned with my vision, even before I fully understood them myself. Thank you for seeing the dream before it fully revealed itself. You made it possible for me to meet alum, Kentse Masilo, who was the goal on the other side of the bridge you held for me. Thank you for your true dedication in your role.

To Ma’am @Karla Tissiman, your patience and commitment to every student reminded me what true teaching looks like. You never reduced us to competition; you built us into individuals. For that, I will always be grateful. You gave this experience real meaning and that fuelled the passion to reach the dream. You are highly appreciated.

To @O Mathuloe (Miss O), you challenged me in ways that forced me to grow. What felt like pressure was, in truth, preparation. You taught me that discipline and self-awareness are necessary companions to any dream. Remember the love/hate relationship between a lecturer and their student. That was a life changing moment, and I'd like to say: Please continue polishing every gemstone in every dreamer in our department. Your love for everyone to reach a level of academic growth is really inspirational, Ma'am. Thank you for your impact. You are my future supervisor when it comes to my research and your passionate guidance is an inspiration to me.

To Ausi @Raesibe Anna Mothapo, you redirected me when I needed it most. Your presence reminded me that guidance often comes quietly, but changes everything. Thank you for your honesty and realness.

To Prof @Anne Mason, thank you for protecting my dream when distractions tried to break it. You saw me and that mattered more than words can explain. You helped preserve the biggest milestone I've fought for ten full years to be able to reach. Your dedication towards my journey was a gentle reminder that it is possible to dream and make it happen. You taught me that resilience sometimes comes just before you're about to give up on everything. Being able to walk into your office gave me that second chance to fight for what was rightfully mine.

THIRD YEAR (2025): THE FINAL STAGE OF MY DREAM
To Sister Noko @Noko Lucky Morakaladi, you gave me something I had been searching for my entire life, a safe space. As someone who grew up feeling unseen, as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, your presence and dedication reminded me that everyone deserves a safe community to be free around. Your department shouldn't stop anytime soon with that movement.

To Sesi Manoko @Manoko Mogoroga, through your professionalism and care, you helped me confront parts of myself I never thought I would. You reminded me that healing is also part of the journey to success. The @Student Development and Support doesn't know the huge role your voice and presence played in my entire life. Thank you so much. Please spread the need for every student to get to pass by your office, as many don't understand that change doesn't require one to be a gladiator. With just the power of wisdom and acknowledgement, we can change for the better. All thanks to TUT.

To Professor & Dean @Nalini Moodley-Diar,

Walking into your office was unplanned, but life changing. You didn’t just assist me, you redirected me with purpose. Through your leadership, I experienced what it means to be in a space where dreams are taken seriously. The Arts Campus was not just a campus for us to reach our dream. That was our second home away from our initial homes back in the villages. Some of us felt safer under your leadership Prof, and for that you'll always be mentioned in any space that needs to know where I come from in this universe.

Gift posing with two of the enablers of his dreams: Prof Anne Mason, Head of the Department of Fashion Design (left), and Prof Nalini Moodley, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Design. A FINAL REFLECTION
This journey was not easy. It was filled with doubt, resistance and moments when giving up felt easier than continuing. However, through each of you, I was reminded of who I am. You did not just teach a student. You helped a lost soul find its purpose again.

A PERSONAL INVITATION
If it is not too much to ask, I would be deeply honoured to invite you all to be part of a moment that represents everything you have helped build.

MY GRADUATION
To stand together, even for a single picture, as the "The Enablers of My Dreams" would mean more to me than words can ever fully express.

As I look ahead to 23 April 2026 at 9:30, I no longer just see a date. I see a dream fulfilled. And that dream carries all of you within it.

Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for guiding me. Thank you for not letting me give up.

With deep gratitude,

Adonis_Gift (Future fashion designer and proud graduate of the Tshwane University of Technology)