Growing up in the small village of Fernie, Mkhumula section in Mpumalanga, Nombulelo Mnisi always believed that education could change lives. With a passion for helping others, she graduated Cum Laude and received the Dean’s Merit Award for academic excellence for her Degree of Bachelor in Child and Youth Care at DUT’s Autumn Graduation Ceremony held at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC) on Friday, 23 May 2026.
“This achievement reflects the discipline, commitment, and hard work I applied throughout my studies. It also represents the contribution I was able to make beyond academics,” she said.
Despite her success, Mnisi’s journey was not without challenges. She faced financial difficulties, struggled to adapt to university life, and experienced one of the most difficult moments during her second year when she was evicted from residence due to her pregnancy.
However, instead of allowing these obstacles to define her, she used them as motivation to push forward.
“These experiences taught me resilience. I learned the importance of asking for help, leaning on my peers and lecturers, and making use of campus resources,” she explained.
Reflecting on her academic journey, she said one of her proudest achievements was the research project she completed alongside her group members. Their study, titled “Exploring the Views of Child and Youth Care Workers Working with Culturally Diverse Children Living in Residential Settings in Durban, KZN,” examined the perspectives, experiences, and challenges faced by child and youth care workers when supporting culturally diverse children in residential care.
The project stood out for its depth and relevance, earning the group a distinction as well as second place at the research symposium. For Mnisi, this accomplishment represented more than academic success — it highlighted the power of teamwork and meaningful research that can contribute to improving children’s lives.
Mnisi strongly identifies with DUT’s Living Values and Principles of fairness, professionalism, excellence, and respect. She believes these values guided her interactions with others and shaped the way she approached both her academic and practical work.
Encouraging first-year students, Mnisi advises them to remain focused, seek assistance when needed, and maintain a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and personal life.
Pictured:Nombulelo Mnisi.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Vukani Langa
