A rousing applause reverberated across the University of South Africa's ZK Mathews hall as Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema walked in for his graduation last night.
The university's vice-chancellor, Prof Mandla Makhanya, took time to acknowledge Malema, his entourage of senior EFF leaders and family, including his wife, Mantwa, and grandmother Sarah.
The former ANC Youth League president was often mocked when it emerged that he had only achieved an H in maths and a G in woodwork - both on the standard grade - in matric.
Malema has since proved his detractors wrong. He was conferred with a BA degree in human and social studies, majoring in political leadership and citizenship.
Makhanya said Malema was a "diligent" student who took time off his tight schedule to personally consult his lecturers.
"He is an inspiration to many students," he said.
Malema said: "We came here with the sole intention of inspiring other people out there that it is possible. We know that revolutionaries have a responsibility to lead by example by accumulating knowledge because the more we read the more we realise we do not know and those who do not read think they know."