Khawulela Mpono, a 24-year-old from the Eastern Cape, emerged as a standout achiever by graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology in Internet of Things (IoT), a course he pursued from 2023 to 2025. What started as a last-minute decision to enroll in university soon became a transformative journey, profoundly shaping both his academic success and personal development.
Throughout his childhood, Khawulela was often reminded that he had untapped potential. His greatest accomplishment to date is proving to himself that he could meet and surpass the expectations set for him. His university experience was more than just lectures and exams, it was a lesson in discipline, resilience, and self-discovery.
“I am just happy that I was able to realise my academic potential, as someone who has always been told that he can do more in academics,” he explained.
Respect and accountability stand out as the values that define his approach to life. These principles have helped him successfully navigate the challenges of both academic and professional environments. Like many students, balancing internal pressures and external demands was no easy feat. However, these challenges contributed significantly to his development as a well-rounded individual.
With his degree in hand, Khawulela is not currently pursuing further studies. Instead, he is focused on exploring various career paths to find what suits him best.
“I am still assessing whether being in corporate is for me or not, so I am just taking things one day at a time,” he said.
Currently, he is gaining valuable professional experience working as an Assistant Engineer at Huawei Technologies South Africa, a leading global technology company. This role allows him to apply his skills in the rapidly evolving technology industry while continuing to learn and grow.
When asked for advice for fellow students, Khawulela emphasised the importance of getting involved in a variety of activities and opportunities, especially those that ignite passion and curiosity.
Pictured: Khawulela Mpono
Photographer : Khulasande Tshayile
Thubelihle Dumakude
