After the tragic loss of a double murder in his family, singer Craig Lucas has managed to turn his tragedy into a triumph. The Cape Town singer – who won season two of The Voice SA – has graduated with a Masters in Development Studied from the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
In 2022, the award-winning star’s brother and sister-in-law were allegedly killed by their teenage son. Craig has also been open about his mental health struggles over the years.
CRAIG LUCAS GRADUATES WITH MASTERS
This week, Craig Lucas graduated with his Masters degree from the UWC.
In a video posted on the university’s TikTok account, the singer said: “It was very tough…[but] today is about enjoying the present and celebrating”.
Praising the staff and lecturers as “kind and helpful,” he added: “This is not the last you will see me at UWC.”
In a Facebook post, the singer revealed that his thesis was based on the aspirations of the children who live in the community of Bonteheuwel in the Western Cape.
He also went into detail about the challenges that faced him.
He shared: “I grew up in Clarke Estate, Elsies River. The story mirrors that of many other areas on the Cape Flats – marked by poverty, crime, gangsterism, substance abuse, and violence. I managed to make it out”.
I graduated with my Master’s Degree today. This shit was HARD, but I’m really proud of myself and deeply grateful for…
Posted by Craig Lucas on Thursday 18 April 2024
He continued: “If you grow up in poverty, you are, by definition, impoverished. Poverty extends beyond just lacking physical necessities. It also strips away social, emotional, and psychological resources necessary to thrive in society. It profoundly shapes who you become.
“Yes, I made it and ‘rose above’. BUt not because I’m particularly special or intelligent. But because I was fortunate to have people in my life who could support me physically, financially, and emotionally. I’ve also been fortunate to encounter individuals who provided me with incredible opportunities.
“Yes, I worked hard, and yes, I made sacrifices, but my research in Bonteheuwel taught me that most kids on the flats would work just as hard if given the chance and support.
“Unfortunately, many will never receive that opportunity.”
@uwconline Congratulations to Craig Lucas on completing his MA in Development studies #IAmUWC #UWCGRAD2024 ♬ original sound – University of the Western Cape
DOUBLE MURDER TRAGEDY
In 2022, Craig Lucas’s family suffered the unthinkable when his brother
Warren Lucas and his wife Arlene were fatally shot in their Brackenfell home. According to Daily Voice, the couple’s teen son – who suffers from mental illness – was allegedly behind the double murder.
Following their deaths, Craig Lucas shared on social media that he was in disbelief at the sequence of events.
Posting a picture of his brother and his wife, he shared: “I feel like my heart has been ripped out of my chest”.