Nqobile Ngcobo was once again honoured for her academic excellence at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2023 Autumn Graduation ceremony held at the Olive Convention Centre this morning (23 May 2023).
Ngcobo (22) from Avoca Hills, Durban obtained her second Dean’s Merit Award for her Postgraduate Diploma in Consumer Science: Food and Nutrition. In 2021, the hard working foodie, was one of the Top 12 contestants on the Taste Master SA Season 2: The Baking Edition. Her dedication led her to be listed amongst the top four finalists. During this popular television show, Ngcobo got a chance to showcase her culinary skills in the competition, where she incorporated the home-grown seasonal ingredients influenced by her late grandmother.
Her journey at DUT began in 2018 when she enrolled for her National Diploma in Consumer Science: Food and Nutrition.
“I am self-driven and passionate about creative fields, mainly food. I have been fortunate enough to have lecturers and friends that have encouraged me to put myself out there. Whilst studying for my Advanced Diploma, I entered Season 2 of The Taste Master SA reaching the top 4 as a finalist. I am currently fully engulfed in my academic career as I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Food and Nutrition,” explained Ngcobo.
She pointed out that this was her second Dean’s Merit Award, therefore she could not be prouder of herself. Her major challenges were not having a laptop and having to work to pay for her university fees. Finding a balance between work and her studies was her daily struggle.
Ngcobo’s career choice is based on her love for food, which causes her to be forever thinking about her next meal. In addition, she revealed that she was influenced by her Consumer Studies high school teacher to apply for the Food and Nutrition course at DUT, after seeing potential in her.
“My teacher was confident that I would thrive at this course. I have no regrets and I would walk this academic journey all over again. I am definitely planning to study further. Crazy enough, I have already thought of a research topic for my PhD,” added Ngcobo.
She aspires to develop a breakfast cereal for the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), being part of the African Nutrition Leadership Programme and being a Food and Nutrition lecturer. Ngcobo also wishes to own farms and be well travelled.
Advising students keen on following her career path Ngcobo said: “I urge students to have a ‘give it your all attitude’, put themselves out there, establish a good relationship with lecturers and students that are a year ahead of them. I would also advise them to aim high and to always remember that hard work pays off.”
What keeps Ngcobo going ad striving for excellence is knowing that her future is in her hands and knowing that she has to work extra hard to be the woman she wants to become.
Pictured: Nqobile Ngcobo.
Simangele Zuma
