For years, Nonsikelelo Mhlongo carried her pain in silence. Behind the smile she wore in the lecture halls at Durban University of Technology (DUT) was a young woman battling physical and emotional abuse at the hands of the father of her two children.
Nonsikelelo broke down in tears as she walked across the graduation stage to receive her Diploma in Business and Information Management during the DUT Autumn Graduation 2026 on Monday, 11 May 2026.
Originally from Mtunzini in northern KwaZulu-Natal, the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) survivor endured severe abuse in an abusive relationship that lasted four years. The traumatic experience became a major setback in her academic journey.
While pursuing her dreams, Nonsikelelo found herself trapped in a cycle of abuse that left her emotionally and physically broken. During a critical period of her studies, her examination period, she was hospitalised for an entire month after suffering abuse, causing her to miss her exams while fighting to recover.
Despite the pain and trauma she experienced, she refused to let her circumstances define her future. With resilience and determination, she continued to push forward, one step at a time. She admitted that some of the decisions she made during her studies brought challenges into her life, but what kept her going was the unconditional love and support she continued to receive from her parents.
Rather than turning their backs on her, her parents stood firmly by her side, forgiving her, supporting her emotionally, and caring for her two children while she worked to rebuild her life and complete her studies.
“My parents never gave up on me. They supported me during my darkest moments and took care of my children so I could continue studying. This graduation is for them,” she said.
Nonsikelelo’s journey at DUT began in 2021 when she enrolled for a Higher Certificate in Public Relations. After successfully completing the qualification, she went on to pursue a Diploma in Business and Information Management. She now plans to further her studies and make a meaningful contribution to her community.
Her mother, Ntombenhle Mhlongo, said watching her daughter walk across the graduation stage brought tears of joy and immense pride.
“Seeing my daughter graduate after everything she has been through was very emotional for me. I am proud that she never gave up on her studies. I am happy to see her achieving her dreams and being strong for her children,” said Mrs Mhlongo.
Nonsikelelo encouraged other GBV survivors to speak out and seek support. She reminded them that they are stronger than the challenges they face and urged them to find the courage to walk away from toxic relationships before it is too late.
Pictured: The emotional Nonsikelelo Mhlongo during her graduation.
Sinamile Sithole/Thubelihle Dumakude
