While many people would have chosen to pause their studies during one of the most demanding seasons of life, Sanelisiwe Benedictor Ngubane chose to keep going. Balancing pregnancy, a full-time job as a laboratory technician and the pressures of a demanding qualification, the 33-year-old from Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal, refused to give up on her dreams. Her determination and resilience paid off when she graduated Cum Laude with an Advanced Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology and received the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award during the 2026 Autumn Graduation ceremony at the Olive Convention Centre on Friday morning, 22 May 2026, at the Durban University of Technology.
For Sanelisiwe, the achievement represents years of hard work, sacrifice and perseverance. Having already completed her B-Tech in Chemical Engineering in 2021, she decided to further her studies in a field she is deeply passionate about while continuing to build her career.
While pursuing her Advanced Diploma, Sanelisiwe worked full-time as a laboratory technician at Solenis while also preparing for motherhood. Managing academic responsibilities, work commitments and personal challenges often left her physically and emotionally exhausted, but she remained determined to finish what she had started.
“One of the most significant parts of my journey was balancing my studies while working full-time and going through pregnancy at the same time, there were moments when I felt physically and emotionally exhausted. However, I remained focused on my goals and reminded myself why I started this journey,” she shared.
Despite the pressure and self-doubt that came with juggling multiple responsibilities, Sanelisiwe refused to allow her circumstances to define her future. Instead, she used every challenge as motivation to work even harder and remain disciplined throughout her studies.
“My journey at DUT has been both challenging and rewarding, the experience helped me become more confident, resilient and prepared for the professional world,” she explained.
Receiving the Dean’s Merit Award and graduating Cum Laude became a deeply emotional moment for Sanelisiwe and her family, who proudly celebrated her achievement knowing the sacrifices behind it.
“I feel extremely proud, grateful and honoured to receive this achievement, it reflects the hard work, commitment and sacrifices I made throughout my studies,” she said.
Throughout her academic journey, Sanelisiwe says she remained guided by the values of excellence, integrity and respect. She believes these principles helped her stay focused and committed even during the most difficult periods of her studies.
She also expressed gratitude to her family, friends and lecturers for supporting and encouraging her throughout her journey. Their belief in her gave her strength during moments when balancing work, studies and personal responsibilities became overwhelming.
Beyond her own success, Sanelisiwe hopes her story will inspire other women, working professionals and students facing difficult circumstances to continue pursuing their dreams.
“Challenges do not define your future determination, consistency and hard work do, with the right mindset, support system and dedication, it is possible to overcome difficulties and still achieve excellence,” she advised.
Looking ahead, Sanelisiwe plans to further her studies and continue growing within her field. Her long-term goal is to become a leader and expert in the industry while making a meaningful contribution through her work.
Pictured: Sanelisiwe Ngubane
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Sinamile Sithole
