Passionate young leader, mental health advocate, and emerging professional, Nomfundo Pragsedes Zakwe, is committed to empowering young people and making a positive impact within communities.
Nomfundo, a Pietermaritzburg resident, recently graduated with a postgraduate qualification in Business and Information Management from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2026 Autumn Graduation ceremony on Tuesday, 12 May 2026.
Nomfundo currently work as an ECP Administrator and WIL Coordinator, where she supports student development, academic administration, and workplace learning initiatives. Through her role, she assists students in preparing for the world of work and creating opportunities that contribute to their professional growth.
Her journey at DUT has been one of resilience, growth, and perseverance. I completed my qualification in Business and Information Management, formerly known as Office Management and Technology, and later pursued a postgraduate qualification in Business Administration.
“My academic journey was not always easy, and there were moments where I felt discouraged and considered giving up. However, I chose to believe in myself, remain focused, and continue working towards my goals. Returning to complete my studies taught me the importance of resilience, discipline, and determination. DUT provided me with opportunities to grow academically, professionally, and personally,” she said.
Nomfundo strongly associate with excellence, integrity, and respect. “Excellence because I always strive to give my best in everything I do. Integrity because I believe in being honest, accountable, and authentic in both my personal and professional life. Respect is also important to me because it helps create healthy relationships and positive environments where everyone feels valued and supported,” she explained.
Being a student had its ups and down and for Nomfundo there were some of the challenges that she faced which included academic pressure, financial difficulties, balancing personal responsibilities, and overcoming moments of self-doubt.
“There were times when the journey felt overwhelming, but I remained determined and continued pushing forward despite the obstacles. These challenges helped shape me into a stronger and more resilient person,” she replied.
For Nomfundo, her family was very proud, emotional, and excited when they heard the news. They have supported me throughout my journey, so graduating was also a victory for them.
“Seeing their happiness and knowing that my hard work made them proud made the achievement even more meaningful,” she added.
Nomfundo was raised by her single grandmother who played a vital role in her life. She shared that her personal experiences encountered in the past was riddled with traumas. She believes that God kept her for a good purpose and that her past does not define the bright future that lies ahead. Nomfundo expressed that living with a mental illness is not easy but she is fortunate to have a strong support system who are her pillar of strength.
Her choice of study has always been in business administration, communication, information management, and organisational systems. “I enjoy working with people, coordinating projects, and finding solutions that improve efficiency within organisations. I also wanted a qualification that would allow me to make a meaningful contribution in both academic and professional spaces,” emphasised Nomfundo.
Academically, Nomfundo says she plans to study further. “I believe education is a lifelong journey, and I would like to continue developing my knowledge and skills through further postgraduate studies and professional development opportunities,” she shared.
Nomfundo’s goal is to build a successful career in business and information management while also making an impact in youth development and mental health advocacy. She aims to contribute to organisations and initiatives that create opportunities for young people, support student development, and empower communities,” she said.
Her advice to a first year who wants to embark on the same career is to stay focused, believe in themselves, and never be afraid to ask for help. “University can be challenging, but consistency, discipline, and resilience are important. It is also important to take advantage of opportunities for growth, networking, leadership, and practical experience. Most importantly, never give up on yourself, even when the journey becomes difficult,” she said.
Nomfundo shared on how the transition to university was challenging at first because it required independence, time management, and adapting to a completely new environment.
However, she managed to adapt by staying organised, remaining committed to her goals, and continuously reminding herself why I had started her journey.
“I would like to encourage young people never to give up on themselves, even when the journey becomes difficult. Success does not always happen according to our timelines, but perseverance, faith, and hard work can help us overcome many challenges. My journey has taught me that setbacks do not define a person’s future. I hope my story inspires others to continue pursuing their dreams regardless of the obstacles they may face,” she concluded.
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