Nelson Nciweni, a 29-year-old from the Eastern Cape, recently completed his Postgraduate Diploma in the Higher Education programme and will be graduating with the prestigious Cum Laude Award from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Midlands Autumn graduation at the Indumiso campus on 13 May 2024. This will mark a significant milestone in his academic journey.
Reflecting on his experience at DUT, Nciweni describes it as enriching, citing the invaluable insights gained and a deepened understanding of learning and teaching practices. “I am grateful for the opportunity to broaden my knowledge in this field,” he says with appreciation.
Graduating with Cum Laude Award holds special significance for Nciweni. He views this achievement as a reflections of dedication, hard work, and academic excellence. “It’s a recognition of one’s commitment to academic excellence and mastery of the subject matter,” Nciweni asserts, emphasising how such honours can open doors to various opportunities and serve as a testament to one’s capabilities and determination.
At DUT, Nciweni identifies closely with the values of excellence and innovation. “Excellence reflects my commitment to achieving high academic standards and continuously striving for improvement,” he explains. “Innovation resonates with my approach to problem-solving and seeking creative solutions in the field of education, reiterated Nciweni.
Nciweni admits that balancing academic demands with other responsibilities and commitments was one of the challenges he had faced as a student. However, with determination and support from his family, he successfully navigated through these challenges.
As a lecturer at Walter Sisulu University in the Eastern Cape, where he teaches public relations, communication science, and marketing management, Nciweni emphasises the importance of continual learning. “A teacher is a lifelong learner. We learn, then we teach,” he asserts confidently.
Looking ahead, Nciweni aims to pursue a career in academia, where he can continue to contribute to the field of higher education through teaching, research, and student mentorship. His advice to first-year students interested in academia is to remain curious, organised, and to build strong relationships with peers and the faculty. He also encourages them to seek out opportunities for research and teaching experiences while prioritising self-care to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Nciweni is also an author of two books: “Intimacy with God” and “Means of Faith.” He holds a master’s degree from Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), further underscoring his commitment to scholarly pursuits and intellectual growth.
Pictured: Nelson Nciweni
Phumeza Msongelwa
