At just 25 years old, Mnotho Thubelihle Hlubi from Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal has built an academic legacy defined by consistency, resilience, and unwavering faith. Her journey through the Department of Chemistry at the Durban University of Technology stands as a remarkable example of what can be achieved through discipline, sacrifice, and commitment to excellence.
Mnotho began her studies in Analytical Chemistry at DUT in 2020. From the very beginning, she distinguished herself academically, graduating with Cum Laude honours for her Diploma in 2023. She maintained this exceptional standard throughout her Advanced Diploma studies and now celebrates yet another milestone, graduating Cum Laude with a Dean’s Merit Award for her Postgraduate Diploma in Chemistry.
Achieving triple Cum Laude status is no small feat. For Mnotho, it represents years of hard work, long hours in the laboratory, unwavering focus, and a deep sense of purpose rooted in faith.
“All thanks to the Lord Almighty,” she says with gratitude while reflecting on her journey.
Throughout her studies, Mnotho embraced the core values of the Durban University of Technology, particularly excellence, accountability, and commitment. She believes excellence is not a once-off achievement, but a continuous habit of showing up consistently, pushing boundaries, and striving to improve in every aspect of academic and personal growth.
As a postgraduate student, she took full ownership of her research journey and professional development, ensuring that her work always reflected the high standards expected within the scientific field.
Like many students, her journey was not without challenges. One of the most difficult periods came when she struggled to secure funding for her Postgraduate Diploma, placing her under significant financial pressure. Instead of allowing these obstacles to derail her goals, Mnotho used them as motivation to work even harder and prove that determination can overcome adversity.
Her family, whom she describes as both proud and thrilled by her achievements, remained one of her greatest sources of encouragement throughout her academic journey.
Now armed with three Cum Laude qualifications and a growing passion for analytical chemistry, Mnotho hopes to continue advancing within the scientific field and ultimately establish herself as a highly accomplished Analytical Chemist making meaningful contributions to research and industry.
Her message to first-year students is grounded in the same principles that carried her through university life: “Remain resilient and always put God first in everything you do. Prayer carried me through some of the most difficult moments during my university journey. Trust yourself, stay disciplined, and never stop believing in your potential.”
Pictured: Top achiever, Mnotho Thubelihle Hlubi.
Silindile Buthelezi
