From navigating academic challenges in her first year to earning Dean’s Merit Awards and graduating Cum Laude, Nwabisa Yolanda Mkhize has turned perseverance into purpose. The 22-year-old from Folweni township celebrated a remarkable milestone at the Durban University of Technology’s 2026 Autumn Graduation Ceremony held at the Olive Convention Centre on Thursday, 21 May 2026, after completing her Diploma in Language Practice in record time. Her journey is one of quiet resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to using language as a tool to uplift and empower others.
Her university journey was far from easy. Coming from a background where she had mainly studied Afrikaans, Nwabisa found herself majoring in isiZulu at university level, despite only having limited exposure to isiZulu First Additional Language in high school. The adjustment was overwhelming at first, and first year became a period of intense learning and adaptation.
“I had a lot of catching to do, but I refused to let that discourage me, there were times where I felt out of place because many of my classmates were already fluent and confident in the language, while I was still trying to understand the basics at an academic level. I spent countless hours revising, asking for help, and practicing whenever I could,”
Her persistence soon paid off. In her second year, she received the prestigious DUX Award, a moment she describes as validation for the long hours, sacrifices, and commitment she had poured into her studies.
While academics were demanding, Nwabisa says one of the greatest challenges she faced was navigating classroom politics and learning to stay focused despite distractions around her. Despite the difficulties, she remained committed to the DUT values that shaped her academic journey integrity, commitment, and excellence.
“Integrity grounded me, commitment pushed me to work harder in difficult modules, and excellence is what I aimed for and achieved through my results and awards,” she said.
For Nwabisa, graduating Cum Laude represents more than just excellent marks.
“To me, graduating cum laude represents the highest form of recognition for students who dedicate themselves fully to their academics. Respect to everyone who achieved it.”
Her family was overjoyed by her achievements, especially as the youngest sibling following in the footsteps of her older brothers and sisters. Their support became a source of motivation throughout her studies.
Nwabisa’s passion for Language Practice stems from her belief in the power of communication and accessibility.
“The first step to making information accessible, and ensuring minorities can join important conversations, is building a bridge. Interpreting and translation allow language practitioners to be that bridge. We amplify the voices of the marginalized. That’s why I chose this field I want to help people be heard,” she explained.
Nwabisa is currently pursuing her Advanced Diploma in Language while serving as a REP Tutor under CELT for 2026, tutoring students in modules she excelled in during her diploma studies.
A firm believer in lifelong learning, Nwabisa dreams of one day earning a PhD, contributing to research, and eventually becoming a professor.
“I plan to remain a scholar even after completing my PhD. I want to contribute to research and help shape future generations.”
To students beginning their own journeys, Nwabisa offers simple but powerful advice.
“Never lose sight of the reason you left home. Healthy friendships with people who share the same goals as you are important when coping with stress,” she advised.
Pictured: Nwabisa Mkhize
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Sinamile Sithole
