Digital content creator Mr Mthobisi Cele, popularly known as ‘Tinqa’ in the social media community, graduated with a Law degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
The 22-year-old from KwaMashu, Durban, who boasts a TikTok following of over 382 000 followers and more than 5 000 YouTube subscribers, describes getting his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) as “a full circle moment” as his content creation journey began whilst studying at UKZN.
“My career as a digital content creator started in Res. I saw people sharing TikTok videos on WhatsApp with that little TikTok watermark, and I said I knew I wanted to be on the APP as well,” said Cele.
After experimenting and getting a handle on using sounds, doing skits, and then lifestyle content through vlogs, Cele’s content, which also captured his experience as a Law student, gained him recognition and followers.
“Being popular on campus was a bit overwhelming because it didn’t just come with recognition but also with expectations to behave or act in a certain way,” explained Cele.
“At times, I had to remind myself that I was not a celebrity, I’m a student here to study just like everyone else, and I need to stay authentic. I also had the opportunity to be a UKZN ambassador,” said Cele.
Studying Law while working with top brands such as Neutrogena, Sunlight, Nola, Ocean Basket, Shoprite, Rama, Temu, the Pavilion Hotel, MTN, Varsity Vibe and many more was an advantage for Cele as it gave him legal insights when negotiating partnerships and agreements.
Said Cele: “Contract Law taught me the importance of understanding agreements and the importance of performing my contractual obligations. I knew my rights, and no one ever took advantage of me. As a young person, I was negotiating and communicating directly with campaign managers and marketing directors for reputable brands because I had no management. This experience has also boosted my confidence and developed my professionalism and communication skills.”
Cele’s upbringing in KwaMashu and holiday visits to his aunt in Newlands East motivated him to study Law to contribute to a legal system that truly serves justice for those with limited knowledge of the law, and become a professional people in similar circumstances can look up to.
“I’ve always wanted to help people, and I wanted to show that, regardless of your background, you can achieve your dreams and make a difference,” he said.
After matriculating from Zakhe High School, Cele knew his life would improve, even though his matriarchal household was a warm and happy one where he felt no lack, growing up alongside his brother and cousin, as well as three other siblings.
To maintain a healthy balance between his academic life and his vlogging life as ‘Tinqa’ on social media, Cele chose to involve his followers in his studies by going live on TikTok while studying and creating content about his experiences as a Law student at Howard College campus and life in Res.
Said Cele: “Law is demanding, and at the same time, I had to stay consistent on social media. I was interacting with my followers whilst doing my school work, which made it easier for my two passions to complement each other. My TikTok family has played a huge role in my journey, and I’m so grateful to them. My family is very proud of me as I’m the first person at home to go to university. It really saddens me that my grandmother passed away before she could see me graduate, because she always thought being a lawyer would suit me as I am very talkative,”
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini