Former ‘The Voice SA’ singer Craig Lucas is celebrating as he graduates with Masters.
Imagine turning your lemons to lemonade. Craig Lucas has done that and more. The star has furthered his education Two years after his family suffered a double murder. According to The South African, he graduated with a Masters in Development Studied from the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
The singer said in a video posted on the university’s TikTok account,
“It was very tough…[but] today is about enjoying the present and celebrating.”
“I grew up in Clarke Estate, Elsies River. The story mirrors that of many other areas on the Cape Flats – marked by poverty, crime, gangsterism, substance abuse, and violence. I managed to make it out”.
“I graduated with my Master’s Degree today. This shit was HARD, but I’m really proud of myself and deeply grateful for…”
He shared a Facebook post revealing that his thesis was based on the aspirations of the children who live in the community of Bonteheuwel in the Western Cape.
He wrote: “If you grow up in poverty, you are, by definition, impoverished. Poverty extends beyond just lacking physical necessities. It also strips away social, emotional, and psychological resources necessary to thrive in society. It profoundly shapes who you become.”
“Yes, I made it and ‘rose above’. BUt not because I’m particularly special or intelligent. But because I was fortunate to have people in my life who could support me physically, financially, and emotionally. I’ve also been fortunate to encounter individuals who provided me with incredible opportunities.”
“Yes, I worked hard, and yes, I made sacrifices, but my research in Bonteheuwel taught me that most kids on the flats would work just as hard if given the chance and support. Unfortunately, many will never receive that opportunity.”
