As Siyabonga Phiwayinkosi Majozi stepped onto the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) campus, the realisation hit him, his biggest dream had finally come true. Since grade 10 at Velangezwi Secondary School, he had envisioned DUT as the institution that would groom him for success.
The 26-year-old from KwaMaphumulo graduated Cum Laude for his Diploma in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Applications Development at the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, at the Indumiso campus in Pietermaritzburg.
When his family heard he was graduating Cum Laude, they were overwhelmed with pride and joy. Although not the first in his family to attend university, he was the first to achieve Cum Laude. Their excitement and support throughout his journey had been a constant source of motivation, keeping him going even when things got tough.
Sharing his journey at DUT, he said it provided him with more than just an education, it gave him opportunities. From participating in the KwaZulu-Natal Innovtech Hackathon and Expo in Durban, his time at DUT shaped both his technical and personal growth. DUT was a space where he was constantly inspired to push boundaries, and he grew in confidence and skills, now looking at the world with new eyes. Currently, he’s enrolled in the Advanced Diploma programme to build on his existing knowledge.
When asked about the DUT living values he resonated with, Majozi said, “I deeply resonate with all the DUT values, but respect and commitment stand out to me. Without respect, there’s no teamwork, and without commitment, there’s no progress. I believe in treating everyone with dignity, regardless of title or background, because you never know who might be in your corner tomorrow.”
Revealing one of his biggest challenges, he said he had been managing finances, as both his parents were unemployed. To support himself, he had started tutoring other students to earn extra money while balancing his own studies. He recalled that it required late nights and sacrifice, particularly around examination time, but ultimately built his resilience and discipline.
He mentioned that choosing ICT was not just a coincidence, he had initially studied the same course at college, where he truly discovered his passion. He also revealed that before that, he had not known a career in ICT was possible for someone like him, thinking tech careers were reserved for those who were naturally gifted. However, once he realised it was a learnable craft, he was hooked. He wanted to transition from being just a tech user to a tech creator, and he had never looked back.
Sharing his short-term and long-term goals, he aimed to work in a software development company to gain industry experience. In the long term, he dreamed of establishing a prominent software development firm in KwaZulu-Natal that would drive innovation and empower communities through technology.
On advising first-year students, he emphasised the importance of choosing friends wisely, as they influence your path. He also encouraged them to work hard, stay curious, and practice consistency.
He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all his lecturers and classmates for making the past three years so enriching. He carried the lessons he had learned with pride and wished everyone continued success in their journeys, looking forward to contributing meaningfully to their industry.
Pictured: Siyabonga Majozi.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
