A South African Navy Lieutenant, Snenhlanhla Dlamini graduated Cum Laude and received the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award for academic excellence for her Advanced Diploma in Operations Management. She was among the Faculty of Management Sciences top achievers who were recognised for excelling in their studies at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony, which was held at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban on Friday, 23 May 2025.
Dlamini (35) from Ntuzuma was excited to hear her name being called on stage and was overwhelmed by the love and cheers she had received from the guests attending the graduation ceremony. For her, receiving the Dean’s Merit Award was the highlight of her graduation.
“I am grateful for the award and the recognition. It is a testament of my hard work and sleepless nights. Indeed, hard work does pay off. The suffering I endured during my studies is minimal as compared to the joy of being recognised as the top student of your class. I am humbled and grateful to DUT for giving me the opportunity to shine and excel in my studies,” said Dlamini.
She was happy to have shared her milestone with her family whom she said had been her support system
On a personal level, she described herself as a firm believer of giving respect and holding herself to ethical and moral principles. Dlamini aligns herself to the DUT values saying integrity and respect are engraved in her as a serving member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
She was happy to have shared this great milestone with her family and friends whom she said had been her support system
“I had an excellent support system honestly, I cannot pinpoint a single challenge as I surrounded myself with the best. I would like to thank Lungisani Manci, Mthobisi Shabane and Fabian Govender for being my pillars and always taking calls even in the early hours of the morning,” shared Dlamini.
Speaking on her choice of study, Dlamini said she chose Operations Management to broaden her knowledge as she believes it has several career opportunities.
Next year, 2026, she plans to return to DUT for her postgraduate qualification. She aspires to grow in her field and to make a mark in her academics. She advised students to never be shy to seek clarity from lecturers and always give off their best in all that they do.
She extended her sincere gratitude to her employer, SA Navy for sponsoring her studies, saying she was grateful for the opportunity. She also thanked the DUT staff from the Department of Operations Management and the Faculty of Management Sciences for their support, patience and professionalism exuded.
Pictured: South African Navy Lieutenant, Snenhlanhla Dlamini during her graduation.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Simangele Zuma
