The Durban University of Technology proudly participated in the Nyala Awards Ceremony recently held at Mchitheki High School in Nongoma, celebrating outstanding academic achievement and the school’s exceptional 100 percent matric pass rate.
The prestigious event honoured learners from Grade eight to Grade 12, recognising the Top 10 achievers in each grade and applauding the Top 10 Matric Class of 2025 learners who passed with distinctions and are now pursuing higher education. The atmosphere was filled with pride, celebration and hope for an even brighter future.
Mr Samkelo Nkosi, the event organiser and Nyala Regional Community Development Specialist for KwaZulu-Natal, highlighted the organisation’s strong commitment to empowering rural schools and giving back to the communities they serve. He said they came to the school because they care about the future and success of learners and believe that ensuring a brighter future for them can change the world.
Nkosi noted that this was not their first visit to Mchitheki High School. In September last year, during Heritage month, they hosted a cultural competition encouraging learners to showcase their heritage, with prizes awarded to the winners.
Towards the end of the year, during study camps, they also provided support by donating essential items such as instant porridge and past examination papers to help learners prepare for their final examinations.
He further emphasised that the awards ceremony was aimed to boost learners’ confidence, academic achievement and overall wellbeing. In addition to their academic recognition, a special category acknowledged learners who demonstrated resilience, strength and confidence, regardless of their marks or background.
The school principal, Mr Xolani Mthethwa, expressed his sincere gratitude to Nyala and DUT for investing time and their resources in their learners. He said exposure to institutions like DUT motivates learners to dream bigger and work harder and that the programme had made a lasting impact on them.
The keynote address was delivered by DUT alumna Dr Thabile Mwandla, whose journey from humble beginnings to becoming part of the team, contributed to the breakthrough of the HIV prevention injection, inspiring many. She emphasised the importance of education and perseverance, encouraging learners never to give up on their dreams and reminding them that education can change their lives.
She urged learners to take full advantage of opportunities when institutions such as DUT visited their schools and to listen carefully to guidance provided about career choices and academic programmes.
Dr Mwandla also shared how a visit from DUT’s Student Recruitment team during her own high school years helped to shape her future. After learning more about Clinical Technology, she worked hard to achieve strong results and was later enrolled at DUT, a decision that ultimately shaped her successful career.
Mr Michael Zulu from the Student Recruitment Unit shared valuable information about the programmes offered at the university, the specific entry requirements for different faculties and the importance of making informed career choices. He encouraged learners to take their studies seriously, particularly highlighting the importance of strong academic performance in their Grade 11 results and their June results in Grade 12, as these marks are often used by universities when considering applications.
He explained that the Grade 11 results and June Grade 12 results determine whether learners meet the minimum requirements for their chosen courses and whether they can secure a space at the university. He encouraged them to start preparing early, remain focused and be consistent in their work.
One of the Grade 12 learners who achieved position one shared how deeply she was inspired by the programme. She said Dr Mwandla’s story gave her hope and motivated her to believe that she could also succeed. She added that having DUT representatives at the school helped her gain a clearer understanding of what she needs to study at university and the requirements she must meet.
In closing, the school principal expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the event, including the School Governing Body, teachers, Nyala members, DUT representatives, parents and learners. He highlighted the importance of education and urged the learners to apply their insights gained to their studies and their future.
Pictured: Mr Michael Zulu from the Student Recruitment Unit with learners at the Nyala Awards ceremony.
Sinamile Sithole
