In the rural village of N’wa-Xinyamani near Makhado, a young boy once dreamed of making his mark on the football fi eld. On 19 May 2026, that dreamer will step onto a diff erent stage, one that celebrates not athletic talent, but resilience, sacrifi ce, and determination.
The University of Venda (UNIVEN) will proudly confer a Bachelor of Business Management degree on rising Xitsonga music sensation Matimba Ngobeni, popularly known as Mlambya Wa Ndzhumbha. Graduating from the Faculty of Management, Commerce and Law, Matimba’s achievement represents far more than academic success. It is the triumph of perseverance, reinvention, and unwavering belief in a brighter future.
Before becoming a household name in Xitsonga music, Matimba was a passionate football player and natural leader who captained nearly every team he played for. However, during Grade 10, academic challenges forced him to make one of the toughest decisions of his young life. He walked away from football and redirected his focus toward education and music, a painful choice at the time, but one that would ultimately redefi ne his future. That turning point laid the foundation for a remarkable journey. Driven by discipline and a passion for music, Matimba steadily rose through the ranks of South Africa’s vibrant Xitsonga music scene. His breakthrough hit, “Maseve Wa Thawula,” captured the hearts of audiences nationwide and earned the prestigious Song of the Year title on SABC Munghana Lonene FM in 2024. The song became a cultural phenomenon, amassing more than 1.8 million YouTube views and fi rmly positioning him among the country’s most infl uential emerging Xitsonga artists.
What distinguishes Matimba is not only his musical talent, but the authenticity embedded in his craft. Through songs such as “July na ti Nkatara,” he blends traditional Xitsonga rhythms with modern sounds, preserving cultural heritage while connecting with younger audiences.
Despite his growing fame, Matimba has remained committed to personal and professional growth. He currently serves as an intern in UNIVEN’s Supply Chain Management and Expenditure Department, gaining valuable workplace experience and building a sustainable future beyond the music industry.
Balancing academic demands, professional responsibilities, and a fl ourishing music career is no easy feat. Yet Matimba has consistently demonstrated the discipline, focus, and maturity required to excel in all three.
His story stands as a powerful reminder that setbacks do not defi ne destiny. Through courage, persistence, and self-belief, he transformed obstacles into opportunities and uncertainty into purpose.
Matimba Ngobeni’s journey embodies the transformative power of education, the strength of resilience, and the extraordinary possibilities that emerge when talent meets determination. Today, he stands not only as an award-winning artist and university graduate, but also as an inspiration to countless young people across South Africa who dare to pursue both education and talent.
Matimba continues to encourage fellow students and young people never to lose sight and to remain steadfast in pursuing their ambitions, regardless of the challenges they encounter along the way.
Issued by: Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
