By Staff Reporter
BLOEMFONTEIN – A remarkable family milestone was celebrated at the University of the Free State (UFS) Autumn graduation ceremonies, where triplet sisters Esihle, Sinovuyo, and Sisipho Mbiyo all graduated with Bachelor of Laws degrees.
The trio, originally from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, graduated together at the Bloemfontein campus on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, marking a rare academic achievement in the Faculty of Law.
The sisters navigated the demanding LLB programme side by side, relying on teamwork, discipline, and shared study routines. They reportedly maintained strict early-morning library sessions, shared notes, and tested one another to ensure collective success.
“We never compared marks. Instead, it was motivation among us,” said Sisipho Mbiyo, reflecting on their journey.
Beyond academics, the Mbiyo sisters were active in campus life, participating in moot court competitions, peer mentoring programmes, and student leadership structures, including the Golden Key International Honour Society.
Sisipho, who lives with a hearing impairment, was recognised for her leadership and resilience, earning awards for breaking barriers and excelling in mock trial competitions.
Their success has been widely credited to strong family support, with their parents providing constant encouragement throughout their studies.
The sisters are already pursuing further studies and plan to continue shaping change in the legal field, with aspirations to serve communities and promote access to justice.
The University of the Free State Alumni Relations Office has officially welcomed them into the alumni community, praising their resilience, unity, and academic excellence.
A proud moment for both family and institution.
