A 23-year-old from Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, Sinakhokonke Buthulezi, has graduated with Cum Laude for the second time. He shared that the Durban University of Technology (DUT) provided a supportive environment that encouraged personal growth and academic excellence. The ceremony was held at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC) on Saturday, 24 May 2025, at the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation ceremony, where he was conferred with his Advanced Diploma in Information and Communication Technology.

Reflecting on his journey at DUT, he had mentioned that DUT played a crucial role in shaping his mindset and being exposed to living values had contributed to his achievement. Being surrounded by lecturers who are experts, also helped him to achieve cum laude.

“Graduating with cum laude, not once, but twice, is a significant achievement that I am incredibly proud of. For me, cum laude is more than just an academic achievement, it is a testament to my ability to set high standards for myself and meet them, even when faced with challenges. I see this achievement not as a destination, but as a steppingstone to bigger things in my life. It motivates me to continue learning, growing, and striving for excellence in my career. In the competitive IT field, maintaining a mindset of continuous improvement is key, and graduating with cum laude reminds me that I have the foundation to keep excelling. Ultimately, I am deeply thankful for this recognition and excited to carry the same work ethic into my professional journey,” he expressed.

Sharing his interest in how technology works and its potential to solve real world problems, he stated that growing up in South Africa showed him how technology was transforming every industry. He pursued IT skills for their global relevance and versatility. He enjoys working in organised, systems driven environments, and IT provides exactly that.

His emphasized to first-year students the importance of taking one’s studies seriously from the start.

“Stay consistent, be curious, and use all available resources. Ask questions, engage with the lecturers, and explore different IT areas to discover your passions,” he shared.

Also, he encourages students to focus on their own growth, avoiding comparisons to others, as everyone’s journey is unique. “With hard work, a strong support system, and a willingness to learn, success is achievable. Your journey may be challenging, but it will be worth it,” he said.

Pictured:  Sinakhokonke Buthulezi

Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini

Phiwayinkosi Sibiya