Londiwe Khoza was ecstatic when she graduated Cum Laude for her Diploma in Shipping and Logistics and obtained the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award for academic excellence at the 2023 Durban University of Technology (DUT) Spring Graduation ceremony held at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC), Durban this morning, Monday, 18 September 2023.
Khoza (29) was born in eNdondwane, Empangeni. Her journey at DUT started in 2020 when she enrolled for her Diploma in Shipping and Logistics. She indicated that her journey was stressful and challenging as there were times that she wanted to give up but she kept on motivating herself to persevere and accomplish her academic dream.
“I thank God for being by my side, giving me wisdom, strength, knowledge, ability, and an opportunity to undertake my studies. Without his blessings, this achievement would not have been possible,” said Khoza.
Khoza faced numerous challenges as a student. Having no funding was one of those challenges but luckily she received the Dube Tradeport Bursary for two years and on her final year she was funded by the Department of Transport.
“I was a bit relieved that I am not owing the institution anymore. I had to push hard to get my in-service training so that I can graduate. I got my In-service in late February 2023. I did not make it to the Autumn Graduation in May this year, but I am happy that I made it to the Spring Graduation,” commented Khoza.
It was a big surprise for Khoza as she did not expect to graduate with a Dean’s Merit award. She thanks herself for not giving up and her friends that helped her with methods that she can use to excel in her studies for her to pass.
Khoza ecstatically said: “I was so happy after receiving the good news that I will be graduating Cum Laude with a Dean’s Merit Award. I shared the news with my mother and my friends. My mom was extremely happy as she has always wanted me to do my best in my work and become successful. I also wish that my father was still alive to experience me graduating. Having to share such beautiful news with him, but I believe that wherever he is, he definitely sees everything that is happening and, he is very happy.”
Khoza is planning to further her studies and she believes this will open more doors for her in the industry. She plans to become the most successful woman in Freight Management and Logistics.
Advising students embarking on the same career path, Khoza said: “If they choose this course, it must be because they love it, and they need to work hard for them to pass. I would also advise them to ask for advice from their seniors to understand the course better. They must use the study books they get from their lecturers and check videos from Youtube to understand better, it helped me a lot.”
Pictured: Londiwe Khoza on her graduation day.
Sibahle Ngcobo
