Brothers in life and in academics, Siyabulela (23) achieved the Dean’s Merit award and Ayabonga Yengwa (25) obtained Cum Laude, both have proudly achieved excellence for the second time consecutively for their Advanced Diploma in Library and Information Studies at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2025 Autumn Graduation. The ceremony was held at Olive Convention Centre on Monday, 26 May 2025.
The siblings were recognised for their exceptional academic performance in the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics. This historic milestone bought immense joy to Yengwa brothers.
Hailing from Flagstaff in Eastern Cape, the two brothers begun their academic journey at DUT in 2021 doing their Diploma in the same course where they also excelled.
Ayabongwa feels honoured graduating Cum Laude “I am thrilled to have graduated with Cum Laude because it is a testament to my hard work and dedication to academic excellence,’’ he added.
For Siyabulela, obtaining the Dean’s Merit award was an incredible achievement that reflected his dedication and resilience, “I am thrilled to have worked hard enough to earn this recognition. It a testament to my dedication and perseverance. This demonstrates that my hard work and dedication paid off,’’ he described.
They revealed that becoming librarians have always been their dreams since they were young. They have always been passionate about Information Management and assisting information seekers.
In their journey they have encountered various adversities. They had financial difficulties which forced them to rent a shack in Kenville, Springfield in Durban. In their final year of study their shack was burnt to ashes with all their belongings, including their academic books.
The incident left Yengwa brothers without necessities, forcing them to rely on the eThekwini Municipality for food and water distribution.
Despite their enormous hurdles they had faced, they perceived and prevailed with excellence. Additionally, they commanded the university’s support and resources assisted them significantly in their academics.
They both plan to further their studies, potentially in knowledge management or a related field, to enhance their capabilities, qualities and knowledge.
The determined brothers said they associated themselves with three DUT values, honesty, commitment and excellence because they believe in being truthful and transparent in all interactions whether academic or personal. They added that they always strive to deliver their best and strive for excellence in everything they do, pushing themselves to achieve high standards and continuous improvement.
Pictured: Ayabonga and Siyabulela Yengwa
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Vukani Langa/Sinamile Sithole
