Nothando Dlamini, a 23-year-old born and raised in the township of Nazareth, Pinetown, is a shining example of academic excellence. Durban University of Technology (DUT) takes pride in producing outstanding students like Nothando. She successfully graduated at the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony held on Friday, 23 May 2025, at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC) in Durban.
Dlamini’s journey at DUT, she said that she had started her studies in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, after being admitted to the Diploma in Human Resource Management programme. She was thrilled to embark on a journey that she knew would open many doors and lead her toward her career goals. She was especially grateful for the opportunity, noting that DUT had been both challenging and rewarding. It had allowed her to gain valuable knowledge, develop practical skills, cultivate strong character traits, shift her mindset, and embrace personal growth while enjoying university life to the fullest.
When asked about the DUT living values and principles she resonated with, she said that she deeply resonated with all of them. However, the values she held most were honesty, integrity, fairness, commitment, and accountability. She also emphasised the importance of Ubuntu, a philosophy that highlights shared humanity, compassion, and interconnectedness, which she believed was strengthened through living a life of integrity and service to others. Through these values, she aimed to lead, contribute, and grow meaningfully.
She expressed her joy, saying, “I am overjoyed and deeply humbled to be graduating with Cum Laude and receiving the Dean’s Merit Award for the second time. This achievement reflects God’s grace, and I give all glory to Him. I’m grateful for the support from my family, friends, church, and lecturers. Your belief, encouragement, and presence made a vital difference. Graduating with distinction has been a milestone of learning and growth, equipping me with knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully and pursue excellence. This success is a result of prayer, hard work, and dedication, shaping me into the person I’m becoming.”
“My family was overjoyed to hear that I would be graduating once again with Cum Laude. They were so proud of me. While some initially didn’t fully understand why I chose to continue my studies believing that my graduation in 2024 was the final step. I remained clear and confident in my vision for my future. I knew exactly what I wanted to achieve and was committed to pursuing it, regardless of any uncertainty around me,” she added.
Her advised to first-year students is to dream big, stay focused, and maintain a strong sense of purpose, emphasising that nothing is impossible with determination. She encouraged them to work hard, stay committed, and set clear, achievable goals, stressing the importance of having a well-defined vision and remaining dedicated to turning that vision into reality.
“I plan to further my education by pursuing a master’s degree next year, with the long-term goal of obtaining a PhD. This will allow me to gain deeper, more specialised knowledge that will not only enhance my career development but also contribute to the industry. Acquiring both theoretical knowledge and practical skills will enable me to remain competitive in the workplace,” she explained.
Currently, she is working at an SME specialising in recruitment and sourcing, focusing on IT and pharmaceutical talent.
Dlamini expressed her sincere gratitude to the institution for granting her the opportunity to further her studies and expand her knowledge. She was also thankful for the leadership opportunities she had received, which had significantly contributed to the development of her communication skills, sense of community, and overall sense of purpose.
Pictured: Noluthando Dlamini
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
