Menzi Ngcobo has shown that as an individual one will be always responsible for one’s results. He is a young driven and enthusiastic 23-year-old man from Marianhill, Dassenhoek. A dedicated individual who strives for excellence, who takes ownership of his tasks, and seeks innovative solutions to push beyond expectations.
His dedication was rewarded with Cum Laude for his Advanced Diploma in Business Administration at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday, 21 May 2025 at Olive Convention Centre (OCC) in Durban.
This achievement is a crucial stepping stone towards achieving his goals in finance. His time at DUT has been transformative one. It shaped him into a more focused and ambitious individual.
Ngcobo is proud to be graduating with Cum Laude, for him it is a remarkable feat that requires unwavering dedication and hard work. Although he did not attain it in his previous diploma, it became a driving force for his Advanced Diploma.
“I believe achieving Cum Laude and the Dean’s Merit Award recognises students’ excellence, motivating them to strive for greatness,’’ he added.
The DUT Living Values that he resonates with are accountability and integrity. He said that these values promote responsibility and transparency, guiding one’s actions and decisions. He is also inspired by the principles of commitment and excellence, which fuel his passion for learning and growth.
Adapting to distance learning was a challenge, especially coming from a classroom setting. Limited internet access at home made late classes difficult to attend for Ngcobo. However, he persevered and found ways to overcome these obstacles, emerging stronger and more resilient.
His family especially his mother was beaming with joy and pride seeing her son walking the stage to claim the crown for excellence.
For him, pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration was a deliberate choice, driven by his passion for financial management. This field has provided a solid foundation for her future goals, and he is excited to build upon it.
He plans to further his studies with a Postgraduate Diploma in Finance, Banking, and Investment Management. After taking a well-deserved break to reflect on his options, he is eager to embark on the next chapter of his academic and professional journey.
Additionally, he aims to excel in the corporate sector, potentially as an investment banker or business analyst. As a creative and passionate individual, he would also love to incorporate content creation into his career, sharing his experiences and insights with a broader audience.
He shared a profound advice to his first year students: “My advice would be to work smart, set achievable goals, and conduct thorough research on your chosen career path. Understanding the fundamentals and requirements of your course will help you stay focused, motivated, and poised for success,’’ he said.
Currently he is a Finance intern at the Department of Education. Beyond academics, Ngcobo is a fashion and commercial model.
Pictured: Menzi Ngcobo
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Vukani Langa
