Believing in the power of education, Nozipho Mnyandu (27) was encouraged by her father to apply to study at a university, aiming to bring positive change to their family. However, cruel fate had other plans, and after she was admitted to the Durban University of Technology (DUT), her father’s passing meant he could not see her thrive and achieve her goals. Mnyandu is set to graduate on Monday, 26 May 2025, at the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony, to be held at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban. She will be receiving her Diploma in Business and Information Management.
Sharing her educational background, Mnyandu began her schooling in the Mtubatuba area, where she completed Grades one to four at Nqiwaneni Primary School. She then transferred to Mnotho Primary School for Grades five to seven. In 2019, she matriculated from Igugulesizwe Secondary School in the Jozini area.
During her time at DUT, she gained valuable knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship, as the university instilled an entrepreneurial mindset in its students. She also mentioned that DUT has groomed her into a young and ambitious individual, well-prepared to take on the challenges of the business world.
“For me, there are two DUT core values that stand out which are honesty and respect. Honesty begins with self-awareness and authenticity. When I’m truthful with myself, I build trust that informs my decisions and actions. Respect, on the other hand, has opened doors beyond my talents and abilities. It is a guiding principle that has served me well, fostering strong relationships and earning me opportunities. My mother’s wisdom, Hlonipha omncane, hlonipha omdala show respect to all, regardless of age has stuck with me. I am grateful for the values my parents instilled in me, which have shaped my character and relationships,” she added.
Mnyandu said that she had begun her in-service training at the DUT Centre for Social Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CSERI) in June 2024. She felt fortunate to be part of the programme, which was helping her grow both professionally and personally. Through hands on experience, she was learning key entrepreneurship skills and developing practical expertise by starting and running her own small business.
She said that when she shared the news of her upcoming graduation with her family, they were overjoyed and thrilled to hear that she would be achieving this milestone.
“Being referred to as a doctor had always been her dream,” said Mnyandu. She is currently pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Management, marking the beginning of her academic journey. With faith in God guiding her, she was confident that she would reach her goal and earn the esteemed title of Dr Nozipho Mnyandu in time.
When she was asked to advise first-year students, she started by saying that they should know themselves and stay true to their values, never losing sight of where they came from. They should make friends, get involved with campus activities, and enjoy the experience. Most importantly, she said that they should attend those lectures and fall in love with their studies. Their dedication and hard work would bring success and rewards that they would be proud of forever.
She concluded by expressing gratitude, thanking God for the opportunity to set a good example for her family as the first to graduate. She said her father is proud of her actions, and his encouragement had finally paid off.
Pictured: DUT CSERI intern, Nozipho Mnyandu.
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
