Kidnap survivor is crowned UB�s best peformer
Oageng Batenegi | Monday October 10, 2016 17:53
In 2002, the then eight-year-old Dada’s grandson was kidnapped for a P2 million ransom and later six men were arrested after the money trail led the investigators to them. Young Asian man Wasim Ahmed, and locals, Michael Mako, Boitshoko Kenosi, Innocent Gabaeme and Charles Gabaeme were charged with kidnapping Mohammed Dada and for demanding that Dada deposit US$200,000 and $100,000 into bank accounts in the United States and Britain.
Since the fateful incident the young Dada, who was kidnapped at the gates of his parent’s home as he got out of the car, enrolled for martial arts lessons. He is a black belt karateka today. On Saturday, Mohammed showered his parents with praises at the graduation ceremony, saying the entire family has been very crucial to his success. Mohammed said his parents, Feroza and Ebrahim have showed him “all the love” and have been supportive throughout his academic journey.
Mohammed added that his parents always encouraged him to excel and were always by his side in his studies. “I also want to thank my grandfather, grandmother and great-grand parents as well as the whole entire extended family for their advice throughout my academic career,” Mohammed said.
Mohammed thanked UB and its staff, for providing a conducive learning environment which enabled him to achieve his success. He said his classmates and lecturers were also handy for him to have achieved the milestone. “I also thank God for guiding me through my studies,” said Mohammed who graduated with the highest GPA of 5.0.
The 23-year-old also had a word of advice for his generation. “Success is not only achieved through intelligence. However, can also be achieved through hard work, extra effort and persistence,” said Mohammed to ululations. Mohammed encouraged his peers to continue with the spirit of excellence even after joining the world of work.
Mohammed’s mother Feroza, told The Monitor of their pride as the whole family. “He has always been a humble and hardworking child,” said the mother. She continued that her son has always been a go-getter. “Once he sets his mind to something, he makes sure he gets it,” said the relaxed mother who seemed not surprised at all by his son’s status as the university’s best student. “He has always been academically strong,” she added. Mohammed’s mother said the current generation has to learn that difficulties come with opportunities.
She said graduates should know that once armed with an academic weapon, they have the power to change the status quo. “We believe he is going to make our country proud. We wish the graduates all the best and God is with them,” she added.
Meanwhile the valedictorian honour is said to be given to a student who has demonstrated overall academic excellence and leadership qualities for the duration of his/her studies at the university.
Mohammed completed his primarywent to Northside Primary School in Gaborone before enrolling for his secondary education at Islamia College in Cape Town in South Africa in 2011. He did his first year at the University of Cape Town, studying Quantitative Finance and listed as top achiever at the end of the academic year. Mohammed came to UB in 2013 to pursue Bachelor of Finance and in 2015 he received the Flemings Asset Management award for the best performance in investment portfolio courses. Mohammed has also been involved in quite a number of co-curriculum activities. He is said to have served in the Islamic Society of UB, been an executive member of the Muslim Youth Movement (MYM), an organisation involved in philanthropic initiatives tackling social ills. He is a devoted karateka, having been graded First Dan Black Belt in the art of Kimura Shukokai in 2011. (Additional reporting by Monkagedi Gaotlhobogwe)