Athenkosi Fani’s life story is a true testament of resilience. He recently graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Johannesburg (UJ).

This milestone is one the 28-year-old achieved against immense personal and socio-economic adversity.

Growing up in the Eastern Cape in East London, Athenkosi’s journey to UJ came after being introduced to the institution through a student forum. His two initial applications were rejected but that did not stop him from persevering. He found other routes to take for his education but knew that he would join UJ as a student eventually.

Due to his mother’s illness, Athenkosi had to grow up in various orphanage homes across the Eastern Cape. He relied on government interventions through social grants and funding to pursue his studies. In 2021, a year where he faced many challenges, both personally and academically, Athenkosi pushed through family difficulties to focus on his education.

“I am proud of my resilience, when I look back at all I went through I really pushed to get to where I am today. There were times I felt frustrated and wanted to give up. I asked God why this was happening to me. I remembered my mother’s words – education is what will raise our family’s name high. I knew I could do it.”

The Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration course offered by the Johannesburg Business School (JBS) allowed Athenkosi to truly experience UJ’s core values of impact and inclusivity.

Through the help of Professor Tankiso Moloi, who played a major role in guiding Athenkosi to funding access, he was able to finish his course and graduate.

“JBS is such a great school – I studied from home and received support from academic staff. I am so grateful to them. I can say that UJ cares for people and I was blown away by that. There is true equity.”

As an LGBTQI+ activist, motivational speaker, and social justice advocate, Athenkosi has continued to persevere.

His leadership capabilities have been honed since high school where he received numerous accolades and an opportunity to go abroad. In 2020 he founded the Boniswa LGBTQI Foundation, named in honour of his mother. The organisation is dedicated to creating safe spaces, promoting tolerance, and empowering LGBTQI individuals through educational initiatives, leadership training, and community engagement.

His accomplishments include being named the Civil Society winner at the inaugural Eastern Cape Youth awards in 2021, being awarded with the NYDA Trailblazer of the Year and Young South African Shining Stars of 2023.

He currently serves on the global Care Leaders Council — continuing his advocacy for youth in care and educational equity.

“My journey is not just mine. It belongs to every silent struggler who keeps going. To young people growing up in institutions — know this: your circumstances do not define your future. You are not forgotten. You are not incapable. I’m proof.”

His advice to students who find themselves in tough situations is to speak up.

“When you speak up for yourself, people are able to help you. Do not wait for things to happen, be the change you want to see. We are all facing issues, there are resources like PsyCad to help with counseling and therapy.”

He credits those who helped him attend his graduation in Johannesburg — a community of supporters who contributed when he lacked the R3000 needed for travel and accommodation. “Your kindness lives in my success. I hope telling my story will inspire others to reach for their dreams.”

As a future leader, Athenkosi dreams of joining global platforms such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and sees himself one day influencing policy and education reform for African youth.