From Ndabayakhe to the world, a journey of approval that indeed your background does not define your destiny. Siphelele Nzuza obtained the Bachelor of Journalism Honours at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Spring Graduation Ceremony at Olive Convention Centre (OCC) on Friday, 19 September 2024.

Nzuza is the producer of an award-winning current affairs night show called Indaba with Alex Mthiyane at Gagasi FM.

He sees his success as a victory for his community, Empangeni in a rural area called Ndabayakhe.

“It means a lot to me. I come from an underprivileged community where resources are limited; therefore, this success was not only for me but it was for them as well. I am the first journalist to ever come from Endabayakhe, today, I am amongst journalists who are doing well in the commercial space,’’ he described.

Just like everyone’s journey it was not easy for Nzuza. He had to endure various hurdles, in the middle of his studies, he got sick and had to choose if he deregisters his studies or quits his job. He also added that balancing work and academics was a challenge.

However, through support from his supervisors, family and his perseverance he steered through the setbacks and eventually reaped the rewards of resilience.

The 29-year-old also shared how proud he was of himself. His journey was marked with various challenges. Everything he has achieved, he earned it through sweat and hard work.

He emphasised the importance of continues improvement in whatever that one does. He aspires to further his studies to increase his magnitude of thinking capacity and self-improvement.

Pictured: Gagasi FM producer, Siphelele Nzuza.

Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.

Vukani Langa