At just 23 years old, Anele Mmabatho Ngubelanga from Umlazi K Section in Durban is already making waves in the maritime and logistics industry. Raised in a blended family alongside her two younger siblings, Ngubelanga has always understood the importance of responsibility, perseverance, and hard work. She proudly graduated Cum Laude with Dean’s Merit Award. She completed her Advanced Diploma in Shipping and Logistics.
“It reflects the dedication, sleepless nights, and countless hours of studying, including cross-night before exams,” she said. She credits her success to the unwavering support she received from her family, mentors, and peers throughout her academic journey.
Among DUT’s core values, she strongly identifies with integrity, accountability, and respect. “Integrity guided me to remain honest and disciplined throughout my studies, accountability taught me to take ownership of my responsibilities and continuously improve myself, while respect shaped the way I value and interact with others in every environment,” she explained.
She pursued her qualification as a self-funded student, financing her studies independently while also handling personal and professional responsibilities. “The experience taught me resilience, financial discipline, and the importance of perseverance,” she reflected.
When her family heard the news of her graduating Cum Laude, the reaction was emotional and joyful. The achievement held deep meaning for her family, who had supported her through every challenge along the way.
Her passion for shipping and logistics inspired her to pursue the qualification from the very beginning. She was drawn to the industry because of the many career opportunities created by global trade, as well as the increasing demand for logistics and supply chain professionals.
She is planning to pursue an Honours qualification in 2027 as she continues to grow within the maritime and logistics sector. She envisions herself in leadership positions such as Logistics Manager, Supply Chain Coordinator, or Operations Supervisor, where she can contribute to improving shipping processes and international trade operations.
Currently, she is already gaining valuable industry experience as an Export Customer Service Assistant at MOL ACE PTY LTD, one of the largest shipping companies in the industry. Her role exposes her to exports, imports, and operations, allowing her to apply her academic knowledge in a practical environment while developing a broader understanding of global logistics operations.
Ngubelanga encourages them to believe in themselves and remain committed to their goals. She advises students to attend classes consistently, engage actively with their coursework, practice using tutorials and past papers, and surround themselves with motivated and inspiring individuals.
Pictured: Anele Mmabatho Ngubelanga
Khulasande Tshayile
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
