Fortune was smiling upon Snenhlanhla Mhlongo who graduated Cum Laude for her Advanced Diploma in Business Administration at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation ceremony, which took place at the Olive Convention Centre on Monday, 27 May 2024.

Mhlongo (29) from Mandeni, having been a hardworking and  exemplary student demonstrating academic excellence, she was one of the 50 top-achieving students who were chosen to visit China in December last year.

“What a great experience. I never thought I would visit overseas anytime soon, but through dedication and hard work I am coming from overseas, and I am graduating with cum laude,” Mhlongo shares with excitement.

She returned to DUT to pursue the second qualification after graduating for the first one in 2016. Like those of many students in this country, Mhlongo’s journey has not been a walk in the park. During the course of her study, Mhlongo says there were financial hinderances which led to study resources shortage. She says that did not deter her from her dream of graduating with a Cum Laude, a prize she had her eyes on throughout the year.

“My family were very surprised that I am going back to school to pursue my studies after so many years. The day I told them that I am graduating they were very happy they could not wait to attend the ceremony,” Mhlongo explains.

One of the DUT ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework that resonate with Mhlongo the most is integrity. She states that understanding the importance of honesty and academic integrity in the classroom is crucial for developing integrity as a student.

“I have succeeded by forging strong moral principles and ideals inside oneself, acting honourably and openly in interactions with lecturers and classmates, and speaking out against unethical behaviour or injustice when it is seen,” she says.

Mhlongo aims to enhance her profile her employability. She is confident that the qualifications she now has have prepared her for managerial tasks. She shares that qualifications’ curriculum included critical thinking, communication, problem solving, organisation, leadership, and project management abilities, which are skills sought-after by industries.

“In the end, an advanced diploma in business administration can lead to a variety of alternatives, including the chance to launch my own company,” she says.

Mhlongo is currently studying toward a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration. She advises that those who are pursuing the same career should remain committed to their objectives and maintain resilience and optimism.

Pictured: Sinenhlanhla Mhlongo.

Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.

Faith Hlongwane