University life is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities, and for Moitheki Johanna Matyeni, it was a journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth. As she navigated the ups and downs of academic life, she found that her faith was not just a source of comfort.
A 21-year-old from Carletonville, a small town in Gauteng, has graduated from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony, which took place on Friday, 23 May 2023, at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC) in Durban. She completed her Diploma in Management Accounting in record time.
“I made a vow to myself that I was going to graduate with Cum Laude , and to be honest, there were days when that vision got blurry. There were marks that I got that threatened to make that dream not come true, but I pushed myself, nonetheless. So, the Dean’s Merit Award shows that my journey at DUT was challenging and learning everyday has instilled excellence in me, I left home with a dream and came back with a Dean’s Merit,” she added.
He resonated with DUT’s values of transparency and respect, highlighting their role in his success. He also emphasised the principles of excellence and commitment, driven by his goal to improve her family’s situation and supported by his family’s encouragement.
Balancing work and studying presented significant challenges. To support herself and ease the financial burden on her parents, various jobs were taken on while pursuing her studies. One of the earliest jobs was as a casual employee at The Crazy Store in Musgrave Centre, where work was on an as needed basis during the first year, with earnings used for personal expenses.
Further explaining that her job continued until the store closed in the third year. Additional work included a stint at Clicks Davenport in December of the second year, with the income used to cover registration fees. Tutoring students was also part of the mix, which initially affected marks, but perseverance led to positive feedback.
“Graduating with Dean’s Merit Award. I knew that I was going to do whatever it takes to pass on record time, but the suspense was the Cum Laude. I am the first to go to university in my family, so I first had to explain what it was to my parents and make them understand what it means. Upon finding out, my mom said thank you for making her proud and my dad told me I did well. That was the validation I wanted to hear from them, that I made them proud,” she explained.
Currently, she is thriving in a South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) internship with Ukuphila Kwezwe Accountants, a firm she discovered at DUT’s annual Accounting Day. Although she initially reached out to volunteer during her third year and didn’t receive a response, landing the internship after graduation has been a dream come true. Working under their Johannesburg branch, she’s learning immensely and enjoying the experience.
Her long-term goals include completing the 3-year internship, qualifying as a professional accountant, and ultimately becoming a Chartered Accountant under SAICA. With determination and focus, she is ready to take on the challenges ahead.
She concluded by stating that her faith in God had been a source of strength throughout her university journey. She attributed her success to divine protection and offered special thanks to her lecturers for their support and guidance.
Pictured: Her Dream has finally achieved in the presence of her parents, as she graduated with Dean’s Merit Award, Moitheki Matyeni.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
