At just 21 years old, Asande Buthelezi has achieved what many only dream of, graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Engineering Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Durban University of Technology (DUT). His graduation took place during the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation ceremony held on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, at the Olive Convention Centre, marking a milestone that he had envisioned and worked toward for years.
Hailing from Empangeni, Port Dunford, Buthelezi made it his mission early on to complete his Honours degree by 21, a goal rooted in ambition, self-discipline, and an unwavering belief in the power of vision. “Completing my Honours degree at 21 was another milestone I was determined to achieve, graduating Cum Laude was the result of years of commitment and believing in the plan I set for myself,” she explained.
The journey was not without its challenges. Balancing academic excellence with professional responsibilities, Buthelezi worked as a Mechanical Engineering testing technician at DUT while completing his studies. This demanding combination required rigorous time management and persistence, but it ultimately enriched his academic understanding with real-world engineering application.
“The experience taught me how to balance work and study while strengthening my ability to solve complex problems using both theory and practice, it also taught me the importance of perseverance every setback was a setup for a comeback,” he reflected.
A key factor in his success, Buthelezi notes was the support and inspiration he drew from friends who shared his aspirations and motivated him to keep pushing. “The people you surround yourself with have a profound impact on your future. I was lucky to be around those who believed in me, even when I doubted myself,” he shared.
Currently, Buthelezi is working as a Professional in Training (PIT) at Tronox KZN Sands, where he is deepening his knowledge in the reliability and maintenance of mechanical equipment in the mining sector. This role perfectly aligns with his long-term career goals. He plans to pursue a Master’s in Engineering, with a focus on mechanical mining equipment, and later an MBA to broaden his leadership and business skills.
Ultimately, Buthelezi aims to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as both a Professional Engineer (PrEng) and a Professional Certified Engineer (PrCertEng). With a clear vision and an unwavering drive, he is determined to make a lasting contribution to the engineering field.
“Graduating Cum Laude is not just a personal victory, it is a proof that hard work, consistency, and the right support system can turn any dream into reality. I hope my story encourages others to set bold goals, stay disciplined, and believe that with enough dedication, anything is possible,” he concluded.
Pictured: Asande Buthelezi
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Sinamile Sithole
