‘Two of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Communications staff at Corporate Affairs who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the graduates are given written recognition for their sterling achievements, formed part of the prestigious graduation ceremony.

DUT Communications Manager, Ms Noxolo Memela completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration with Cum Laude.

Media Officer, Simangele Zuma also completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Celebratory Autumn Graduation ceremony at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) on Monday, 18 July 2022.

Although Ms Memela did not have a background on most of the programmes on offer for the course she graduated in, being a person that loves a challenge, she registered for a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration.

“I’m just so grateful to God for protecting me throughout 2021. It was not an easy year as we all had to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, deal with work, deal with personal issues. I’m just grateful that God has blessed me abundantly. He keeps introducing me to the right people, I’m grateful for my Communications team, for my Senior Director, Mr Alan Khan. I’m so appreciative and I’m just encouraged to keep studying,” she said jubilantly.

Adding to Memela’s graduation was the fact that her young sister, Phumla Memela graduated in the same session with her Advanced Diploma in Business Administration, an addition to her National Diploma in Hospitality Management.

“I will be leaving for the United Kingdom to work abroad. For now, I’m just enjoying the experience that comes with working abroad. I prefer to be located abroad and it’s a second time for me. Currently, I’m taking a break from studying next year but I will consider studying again next year at DUT. For now, the world is my oyster,” she said excitedly.

For Zuma, who joined the Communications team in 2020 in the midst of the COVID-pandemic, was a challenge on its own but this did not deter her from also deciding to pursue her dream of studying at DUT.

“It wasn’t easy but I made it and I thank God for allowing me to complete this journey to date,” she said proudly.

As the Media Officer at DUT and working behind the scenes was the norm for the past six days of graduation. She did confess that nothing could beat the feeling when she became part of the ‘in-front of the scene’, dynamic graduation ceremony, receiving her Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration.

“I can’t explain that moment I was walking on the stage and seeing my colleagues cheering for me and my family, I’m just so happy,” she beamed.

Zuma graduated while also pursuing her MBA at the DUT, so come 2024, she reiterated that she will be back walking on that stage again.

Picture credit: Mfundiso Khanyile

Waheeda Peters