A smart and hardworking Nqobile Charmaine Dube (31) from Umkhomazi graduated Cum Laude and obtained the Dean’s Merit Award for her Diploma in Administration in Public Management on Saturday afternoon, (27 May 2023) at Olive Convention Centre (OCC) during the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation

There is no denial that Dube is a hard worker as she was announced as the only one who obtained the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award in her class. She was raised by her mom who is a single parent, and the situation back home was very bad. The situation at home forced her to go back to school at her age because she believed obtaining a university qualification will open closed doors for her. She even quit her job because the salary was not enough to cover all her basics, and to take care of her family and herself. She took a decision and swallowed her pride and went back to school.

“From the first day I walked through that DUT gate, I told myself that I will focus on my studies and walk out with good grades. I am very happy to obtain my qualification and what makes me happier is that I am the only one who obtained a Dean’s Merit Award amongst all my classmates,” she said.

Dube went to school because she wanted to be a motivation to all people out there who have lost hope, who think that they are old enough to go back to school. “You can still go back to school and obtain your qualification at your age,” said Dube.

Having to adapt to university life was not easy for her but she thanked God for giving her courage to stand still and keep the ball rolling. She also mentioned that she was attending classes with very young people but that didn’t deter her to reach her dreams. She was a laughing stock to her friends and the community but she took that as a motivation to prove them wrong. Look at her now holding her qualification and she believes that this qualification will help her to get a permanent job position so that she can take care of her family.

She advised old and young people to go back to school further their studies, she mentioned that the journey will not be easy but give it a try you won’t regret yourself.

Moreover, she advised them to do not listen to nay sayers because they will always be there. “You know your struggles better than anyone so put yourself first. You are never too old to make your dreams come true,” said Dube.

Currently Dube is unemployed but she is looking for the company that will hire she so that she can gain experience in her field and be able to take care of her mother who made sure that she provides for her with a little that she had.

In closing she thanked her everyone who supported her during her academic journey.

Pictured: Nqobile Charmaine Dube

Nomvelo Zulu