Nothando Ntshangase, a 20-year-old from Mandeni township in KwaZulu-Natal, has achieved a notable milestone by graduating Cum Laude for her Bachelor of Built Environment in Urban and Regional Planning from the Durban University of Technology. She proudly walked the stage at the 2025 Autumn Graduation ceremony held at the Olive Convention Centre on Tuesday, 27 May 2025.
Ntshangase’s academic journey at DUT has been both challenging and rewarding. She initially registered for a Bachelor of Built Environment in Urban and Regional Planning, which has provided her with practical learning experiences, site visits, and research projects. Despite facing obstacles, including adjusting to online learning and navigating through challenges with NSFAS funding, Ntshangase managed to pass her modules and excel in her studies.
Throughout her journey, she has grown both personally and academically. She has become more confident, resilient, and compassionate, with her faith playing a significant role in her life. Ntshangase has also been involved in various church activities and volunteer work, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to her community.
“I got to experience being part of a UNICEF volunteering group. I also took a Mandarin course to expand my languages which I passed. Furthermore, I was part of Durban Coalition volunteers making People’s Plan, which was launched on 28 November 2024. In my class, I was the top student with a high average and got a certificate, which was also by God’s doing. Overall, I will say the journey was not easy but with God’s grace everything was planned by him, and I am happy with the outcome,” she explained.
She believes that graduating Cum Laude was a significant achievement that requires dedication, hard work, and resilience. She resonates herself with the DUT values of excellence, compassion, honesty, respect, and transparency, which align with her approach to problem-solving in urban planning and her personal values.
Balancing academics, research, practical projects, family issues, and extracurricular activities has been one of the biggest challenges Ntshangase has faced. Additionally, access to resources, managing time effectively, and overcoming setbacks in projects have been part of her learning curve. However, she believes faith led her to Town planning, since she initially wanted to pursue a career in radiography.
“I wanted to study Radiography, unfortunately, I was on a waiting list and they did not take me, ended up registering for regional planning which was my last option. However, I got to know about it more as I was learning about it. Now I am passionate about urban development, sustainability, and creating inclusive spaces. I now want to be part of shaping cities that cater to the needs of all people, and this field allows me to contribute meaningfully,” said Ntshangase.
Ntshangase is currently studying for her Honours in Town Planning at DUT and looking forward to completing her masters. She is eager to gain practical experience and contribute to the field of urban planning. With her determination and passion, Ntshangase is poised to make a meaningful impact in her chosen field.
Pictured: Nothando Ntshangase
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Thubelihle Dumakude
