Bongeka Cebisa has broken her family’s academic history as she graduated Cum Laude for Advanced Diploma in Information and Communications Technology at Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn graduation. The ceremony was hosted at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC) on Saturday, 24 May 2025.
Cebisa (22) from Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal became the first in her family’s history to graduate from the university and she has done so in a remarkable style.
“Graduating Cum Laude is a proud moment for me. It reflects the effort, discipline, and late nights I put into my studies. As someone who did not always have access to resources, this achievement proves that hard work truly pays off. My family was proud and emotional since I am the first in my family to graduate. So, this achievement was not just mine, it was for all of us. It gave them hope and a reason to believe in education,’’ she expressed.
She confirmed that this field was her first choice as she has always been passionate about technology and problem-solving. Therefore, Information and Communications Technology offered a perfect blend of theory and practical skills, and she knew it would open many opportunities, especially in the digital era.
The DUT values she associates with the most is integrity. Throughout her academic journey, she remained committed to doing the right things, even when no one was watching. Whether it was group work, assessments, or how she handled challenges, she acted honestly and with strong moral principles
One of the biggest challenges she faced as a student was a lack of funding, which meant she had to balance academics with financial stress. Additionally, adjusting to the demands of higher education, especially in technical courses, required a lot of discipline and time management.
She plans to pursue a postgraduate qualification as she believes that lifelong learning is important especially in a constantly evolving field like Information and Communications Technology . Additionally, she wants to be a business analyst, since she enjoys working at the intersection of technology and business. She also wants to help organisations make data-driven decisions, improve their processes, and create value through innovative solutions.
To first year who wish to study at DUT, Cebisa said: “Be consistent and stay curious. It is not about being the smartest in the room but being disciplined and open to learning. Seek help when needed, use all resources available to you, and do not give up,’’ she concluded.
Cebisa is currently part of the INSETA internship programme as a Business Intelligence intern.
Pictured: Bongeka Cebisa
Photographer: Sibonelo Dlamini
Vukani Langa
