Mthethwa twin sisters carve out individual paths at the University of Limpopo
In a tale that could easily be woven into the fabric of a heart-warming novel, twin sisters with essentially the same name, Dimpho and Dineo Mthethwa—meaning “gift” in Sepedi and Setswana, respectively—are embarking on an extraordinary journey as first-year students at the University of Limpopo (UL).
With laughter echoing from shared childhood memories and ambitions intertwining like vines, their story is not just about sisterhood; it’s the pursuit of individuality against the backdrop of twinship.
Hailing from a small town called Mkhuhlu in Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga, they reminisce about how their bond runs deeper than mere genetics. “Growing up as twins was amazing, still is,” Dimpho reflects, her eyes glimmering with nostalgia. “But it had its own hardships, especially when it came to creating our own identity.” Dineo nods in agreement, recounting moments from their primary school days when they were mistaken for one another, their distinct personalities overshadowed by their identical faces. Dimpho recalls a particular incident: “We attended public schools with feeding schemes. The mothers working in the kitchen would often scold one of us, saying, ‘Why are you queuing for the second time? Do you want to eat twice?'”
Dineo says growing up as twins had its own dynamics, like “it comes with one excelling at a certain field in school while the other is failing shortly. It comes with silly fights, like who did better on their math test. We have always had a special bond that goes beyond words. We shared a unique connection that has been a significant part of our identity, and we were also treated special by our mother, unlike our other siblings.”
Their decision to enrol at UL was perhaps destined. “We wanted to do the same course at the same university, but things did not work out as we thought. While Dimpho was awaiting an acceptance letter, I couldn’t imagine going to university without my twin. Funny part was that I had to choose the University of Limpopo simply because we wanted to be together,” Dineo explains, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
Despite pursuing different paths – Dimpho delving into the intricate world of human resources management while Dineo immerses herself in the realm of accounting – the sisters remain steadfast in their commitment to support each other’s growth. “Choosing different paths allows us to diversify our skills and experiences,” Dimpho muses, adding that “it’s about following our own unique paths that align with our personal strengths and aspirations.”
Their aspirations are as varied as the colours of a vibrant sunset. Dineo’s eyes sparkle with determination as she speaks of her dream to become a chartered accountant, inspired by her father’s entrepreneurial spirit and the allure of financial expertise. Meanwhile, Dimpho’s voice resonates with passion as she envisions herself shaping HR strategies and policies, honouring her late father’s legacy with every decision she makes.
“Our academic paths can complement each other in numerous ways,” Dineo and Dimpho affirm, saying they can combine their skills to start a business, leveraging their shared experiences and understanding to navigate the complexities of the corporate world.
Looking forward to celebrating their birthday on May 2nd , the 19-year-old sisters plan to remain closely connected and support each other by studying together and seeking out opportunities for shared experiences, like attending university events, joining student organisations or participating in extracurricular activities together. “These shared experiences will not only deepen our bond as twins but also offer a sense of camaraderie and support as we navigate our university journey.”
By Moses Moreroa