Mvelo Mbele (23) has successfully graduated for second time with Dean’s Merit Award. The Graduation Ceremony took place at Olive Convention Centre (OCC) on Thursday, 22 May 2025 at Durban University of Technology(DUT) Autumn Graduation.
Reflecting on his journey at DUT, he started in 2021 with a Diploma in Retail Management at ML Sultan Campus. He completed his diploma on time in 2023 and graduated in 2024. He furthered his studies by registering for an Advanced Diploma in Retail Management at DUT ML Sultan Campus in 2024. Notably, he completed the Advanced Diploma on time, achieving outstanding results.
When he was asked which DUT living values he resonated with, he mentioned accountability and respect, as he also believed that to achieve a certain goal as an individual, one must take accountability for their actions and work by taking full responsibility, and show respect to their work, colleagues, and lecturers, as well as set principles of professionalism and commitment.
“My mother became so emotional because this is what I told here when I left home to start my Advance diploma that I will make her proud even though she was scared for me as how am I going to survive with no funding but I told her I am going to make her proud, well she was so speechless with tears of joy and the rest of my family was happy and proud of me,” he said.
He explained that retail management was his chosen field of study because he had started working as a cashier in a retail store before beginning his diploma. During that time, he developed an interest in the retail space and began envisioning himself in a management role. He decided to apply for Retail Management. He expressed his plan to further his studies by pursuing a postgraduate diploma in 2026. His ultimate career goal is to grow academically and gain experience to become an innovative and committed manager.
Currently, he is working as a Customer Assistant (Replenishing) at Woolworths. He expressed gratitude to DUT for shaping his journey, highlighting that he graduated Cum Laude with Dean’s Merit.
Sharing his advice with first-year students, he said, “My advice would be to be true to yourself, listen to lecturers and DUT has its own values and principles, and stick to them. if you don’t respect those values. Pursue your dreams relentlessly, staying vigilant and committed, no matter the circumstances.”
Pictured: Mvelo Mbhele
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
