At the age of 22, Mbali Khanyile from Imbali, has graduated Cum Laude in his Bachelor of Education in the Senior and FET phase at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation Ceremony at Indumiso Campus, Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday, 13 May 2025.
Khanyile expressed her excitement and said that graduating Cum Laude is beyond just an academic distinction awarded to students who achieve a high level of academic excellence.
“It is a great honour to be one of the students that were able to obtain this title of excellence, and it shows that hard work really pays off,’’ she added.
One of Khanyile’s aspiration is to make education fashionable, make children enjoy learning by creating inclusive and comfortable classroom environments that cater for every learner need. Additionally, develop an understanding that learners are different and embrace their diversity. She believes that every child can learn science. However, this can be done when teachers do justice to the education system.
Throughout her journey, she obtained valuable skills, knowledge, and experience that shaped not only her academic growth, but she also got to embrace changes, getting out of her comfort zone, and professional growth.
She said that transparency, which is among the DUTs living values and principles, is the core element in the teaching field because it fosters a sense of inclusivity, encourages participation, and promotes trust and collaboration. Also, it involves clear communication and accessible information.
The most challenging part in her journey was during her first year, where they were required to learn remotely, and had to familiarise herself with online learning and having to use a laptop for the first time at varsity.
To first years Khanyile said “Study hard, do not isolate themselves, join study groups, and know that teachers are long life,’’ she concluded.
Presently she is a Grade 10 to 12 Life Sciences substitute teacher at Shayabantu High School.
Pictured: Mbali Khanyile
Photographer: Sibonelo Dlamini
Vukani Langa
