Sanelisiwe Biyela has displayed a stellar performance after graduating Cum Laude with 18 distinctions for her Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Management. She obtained her qualification at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony at Indumiso campus in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday, 13 May 2025.
The 23-year old hailing from Vryheid in KwaZulu-Natal said it was an honour and rewarding to graduate Cum Laude.
“It represented the rewards of consistency, resilience, and dedication. It was a huge achievement that opened doors for future,’’ she explained.
Biyela praised her lectures, family, and friends for their support especially her older brother who has been her greatest supporter.
Surprisingly, she wanted to pursue a Bachelor of Education. However, Information Technology opened up new perspectives for her. It helped her understand the critical role of technology in organisations and improved her career aspirations.
One of the best highlights of her academic journey was being appointed as a Project Management 201 tutor by the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics. This role boosted her confidence and through it she discovered her passion for teaching.
Due to the high unemployment rate, she decided to continue with her studies and enrolled for her Advanced Diploma in 2024. She said it was the most difficult year (2024) of her life. She faced massive financial constraints. Despite the struggles, she managed to excel.
The challenges began in her third year. It became difficult to cope academically and emotionally, but her competitive nature and fear of failure pushed her to succeed. Luckly she was fortunate enough to meet amazing classmates who motivated and shaped her into becoming a better version of herself.
Biyela extended her appreciation to DUT’s Phakimpilo programme, which is an initiative within the university that strives to address student’s uncertain or inadequate access to food due to financial constraints.
The DUT values and principles she resonated with the most was commitment. She believed that with commitment and hard work, anything was possible. Her academic journey proved that persistence truly pays off.
She revealed that the biggest academic challenge was the accounting module, since numbers were never her strength, but she remained determined , thanks to the support of her classmates who helped her push through.
Her goal is to become a Lecturer or an Information Systems Specialist. She is passionate about education and digital transformation. She wants to contribute to shaping future professionals while also advancing the use of technology in solving business problems.
To first-year students, Biyela said: “Stay focused, disciplined, and consistent from the beginning. Make use of all the resources DUT offers. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you.’’
Currently she is doing her internship under the FASSET programme, which was offered by the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics. She works at the Department of Health as an Information and Statistics Officer.
Pictured: Sanelisiwe Biyela.
Photographer: Sibonelo Dlamini.
Vukani Langa.
