Minenhle Zikhali, who is only 23 years old, made his stage debut as a Journalism Bachelor’s degree graduate at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2025 Autumn Graduation ceremony. The eagerly awaited ceremony was held on Tuesday, 20 May 2025 at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban.
His journey at DUT began in 2021, when he got enrolled for Higher certificate in Public Relations and Communications to which he graduated Cum Laude in 2022. He then proceeded to further his studies by doing a Bachelor’s in Journalism.
As an individual living with a disability, Zikhali experienced challenges during high school. He experienced bullying and lacked a support system, which significantly impacted his self-esteem. He began to feel a sense of belonging after joining DUT, all credit to the Disability Rights Unit.
“When I came to DUT, I was introduced to the Disability Rights Unit, which is run by Ms. Gugu Khuluse. Of everything that I could ever thank DUT for providing me with, I would say that the DRU office is by far at the top of the list. I was introduced to not one or two but an entire community of people who are living with disabilities, and from all walks of life even. So, in a way, I could say that my journey has been a fruitful one,” said Zikhali.
In his pursuit to get enrolled for a degree, the Mlazi born faced numerous challenges as most departments would not accept him, as they were not accepting students for an internal transfer.
“I almost gave up until I met Prof, Runnet Kruger who was the dean for the faculty of arts and design, and she will forever be engraved in my heart as it was because of her that I was enrolled for a bachelor of Journalism, she fought for me to be enrolled and her I made sure that her effort were ever in vain,” he explained.
Among the ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, Minenhle most relates to compassion, as he consistently shows a willingness to assist fellow students.
“Compassion is more relatable to me because I like assisting students, helping them and guiding them to and do better, and I believe that you can’t be able to do that if you do not have compassion, and I believe that you need to be committed in as everything you said you were going to do, as it is in my belief Without commitment, you’ll never start, but more importantly, without consistency, you’ll never finish,” said Zikhali.
The adaptive graduate is presently pursuing an Honour’s degree in Journalism, serving as a Tutor Mentor Adviser for the Faculty of Arts and Design within the CELT department, and also as a Student Library Assistant at the Steve Biko Library.
Pictured: Minenhle Zikhali.
Thubelihle Dumakude
