Living with a hidden physical disability that has resulted in ongoing stiffness of her calf muscle is one of the many challenges that 22-year-old Mandisa Mjwara faced during her academic journey at the Durban University of Technology. However, her circumstances did not deter her from achieving academic excellence as she graduated Cum Laude for her Diploma in Accounting during the DUT Autumn Graduation ceremony, held at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban on Monday, 18 May 2026.
Mandisa from eGugwini at Umzimkhulu revealed that her condition began in 2016 and since then she has been experiencing recurring discomfort, especially when walking or standing for long periods.
“One of the most difficult aspects of my life is that my disability is not always visible to others. Because of this, there were times where I was misunderstood or treated differently, as people often assumed I was fully able without realising the physical strain I was experiencing,” shared Mandisa.
Despite the physical pain and discomfort she experienced daily, she remained focused on her studies and committed to achieving her goals.
“My condition sometimes made it difficult for me to walk long distances or stand for extended periods, especially during stressful academic periods. There were days when the pain became overwhelming, but I constantly reminded myself why I started this journey. I wanted to build a better future for myself and my family.”
She extended her gratitude to the members of the Disability Rights Unit at DUT for their support truly which she said made a difference in her academic journey and helped her to navigate challenges so she could focus on her studies. Mandisa shared that she would appreciate it if more people understood that not all disabilities are visible, and that sometimes someone may be dealing with discomfort even if it is not obvious. She said small things like patience and being open-minded can really make a difference in people living with disabilities.
Outside of academics, Mandisa indicated that watching the DUT Res League became a form of escape during stressful times and it helped her to maintain balance.
“Like many students, I faced various challenges, from academic, personal to social and lifestyle aspects. For me, as someone who is a social butterfly, my main challenge was finding the right balance between social life and academics. I had to learn how to prioritise my studies and manage my time better. Over time, I became more disciplined, which helped me stay focused and consistent,” added Mandisa.
Sharing her excitement on graduating Cum Laude, Mandisa said it was fulfilling and surreal because there was a point during her studies where she did not think she would achieve it.
“I never imagined that one day I would graduate Cum Laude. This achievement means everything to me because it proves that your circumstances do not define your future. Hard work, discipline and faith can help you overcome any obstacle,” she said.
Amongst the DUT values and principles, Mandisa resonated with excellence. She always upheld a strong work ethic and she committed to doing her best.
Her main goal is to register as a Chartered Accounting with SAICA, CA(SA) and become a forensic auditor. She plans to build a career on accountability and transparency by helping to detect and prevent financial misconduct.
Pictured: Mandisa Mjwarha.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Simangele Zuma
