The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework is built on five core values and principles, among which Benita Bobo resonates strongly with Excellence. Her outstanding achievement of graduating CuLaude with the Dean’s Merit Award was a testament to her dedication to upholding this principle, reflecting the high standards and aspirations that DUT strives for.
After two years of dedication to her part-time studies, Bobo’s hard work had finally paid off as she graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, at the Indumiso Campus Hall in Pietermaritzburg.
Sharing her journey at DUT, she said that when she was teaching undergraduate students, it was enjoyable and she loved sharing the knowledge she had with them. She stated that being around students was inspiring and she learnt a lot from them during her time at DUT.
According to her, the postgraduate diploma programme presented its challenges, with all modules taught after hours to accommodate working professionals. She had to juggle her responsibilities, sometimes sacrificing family time for schoolwork. She attended a class while on a bus ride to the Eastern Cape, where network issues made it tough, but her dedication kept her going.
“After all the challenges I went through, I managed to graduate with Cum Laude with Dean’s Merit, and I am very proud of myself for being able to produce the results that I did, especially considering that I am an adult learner who is also working full-time,” she explained.
Revealing the DUT living values and principles that deeply resonate with her are Respect, Commitment, and Excellence. She believes that without embracing these principles, she would not have successfully completed her qualification and received the results that she did. She also states that the key aspect of respect is actively listening to lecturers, which helps build a positive and productive learning environment.
A 34-year-old from a small rural town in the Eastern Cape, Ngqushwa, has shared her goal to pursue a Master’s degree for the second time, in a different field related to education. Her studies have helped him develop both personally and professionally.
“As a Senior Advisor in the Centre for Teaching and Learning at Stellenbosch University, I am applying the knowledge gained from my qualification to navigate my role more effectively. Currently working in the higher education teaching and learning space, I aim to grow further in this field, with a focus on curriculum development and research around teaching and learning,” she added.
Bobo advised first-year students to stay focused and patient, emphasising that short-term sacrifices would lead to long-term rewards. She encouraged them to stay the course and keep their heads down, reminding them that all the fun times would still be there after graduation.
She concluded by acknowledging her lecturers for their constant support and her partner for being there on her side all the time. She also shared that even her partner told her that she deserved to hear her name being called on stage.
Pictured: Benita Bobo at the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation in Pietermaritzburg.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
