Nondumiso Makhaza’s achievement showcases her hard work and dedication, paving the way for future generations in her family to pursue higher education and inspiring others to strive for excellence. She is set to receive her Diploma in Business and Information Management at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony, where she will graduate Cum Laude and be honoured with the prestigious Dean’s Merits Award for academic excellence. The ceremony honouring graduands from the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics will take place on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, at the Indumiso campus hall in Pietermaritzburg.
As the first graduate in her family to achieve this milestone, she was the first person to pass Grade 12 in her family, first to enrol in a higher institution, and now a first graduate. Guided by her mother’s advice, she was motivated to break the norm and make the Makhaza family proud, and sharing the news with her family was incredibly exciting for them.
A 21-year-old from Clermont in Durban shared her excitement about graduating with a Dean’s Merit Award, a moment that will be heartwarming for her. She reflected on the journey, including the countless sleepless nights, that ultimately led to this achievement.
According to Makhaza, transitioning to DUT in 2022 was challenging due to the new environment and fear of being bullied, but she adapted after making friends during the shift to on-campus learning in the second semester.
When asked about which DUT living values she resonates with, Makhaza said, “I have always valued respect, honesty, and accountability. Respect is important to me due to my upbringing, while responsibility and accountability are key to personal growth and success. I believe that taking ownership of tasks and outcomes builds trust and integrity, making life more manageable.”
In sharing her goals, she revealed her dreams of becoming an entrepreneur, creating job opportunities, and empowering the youth. For now, her focus was on landing a job and gaining practical experience to build her business skills.
“Coming from a disadvantaged background was my daily motivation, fueling my determination to push forward. Above all, I give credit to God, who made this journey possible. Through faith and perseverance, I overcame obstacles and achieved my goals, proving that with divine guidance, nothing is impossible,” she concluded.
Pictured: DUT graduand, Nondumiso Makhaza.
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
