The “Students as Champions of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Living Values” 2024 winner, Lindiswa Zondo has expressed that amongst her main goals is to raise cancer awareness in rural arears especially in black communities once she finishes her Bachelor of Health Sciences in Radiotherapy.

After noticing the lack of information about cancer including it treatment in rural communities, Zondo who is from a rural area herself called KwaMpumuza in Pietermaritzburg, has taken upon herself to come up with a solution to this challenge as she plans to empower communities with knowledge through campaigns and workshops.

‘’I am almost a pre-community service radiotherapist. I have noticed that many rural communities more especially black people have little knowledge about cancer, radiotherapy (treatment of cancer) and screening for cancer. I would like to host campaign drives where I visit communities and raise awareness of this disease. Hence why I wish to study further and do my masters,’’ said Zondo.

The champ has also vowed to defend her Students as Champions of the DUT Living Values title. She was awarded a R3 000 cheque by the Student Governance and Development  unit at DUT during the Students as Champions of the DUT Living Values Awards ceremony held in October 2024.

‘’I am looking forward to defending my tittle and to do so I will need to do deeper research into the topic, explore new sources to get a wider perspective. Also include opposing opinions to strengthen my writing. Improve my writing skills, by visiting more often the DUT writing Centre on how to present an excellent essay that has logical flow and with the correct use of transitions to connect ideas,” added Zondo.

Zondo is not only excelling in academic spheres even in sports she is a star. She plays for the DUT netball team. She has participated in one of the biggest national competitions, Spar National Championships and the University Sport South Africa (USSA) tournament. Her biggest highlight so far on her netball career was when she got a chance to share the court with players who are at Telkom Netball League (TNL) level.

“I have the passion for the sport. My interest was sparked by my local club in Maritzburg challenge league, in Pietermaritzburg that offered developmental programmes for young upcoming stars. I found solace in this sport even when I was having a challenging time with academics,’’ said Zondo.

Pictured: Lindiswa Zondo “Students as Champions of the DUT Living Values” 2024 winner.

Vukani Langa