Zenande Radebe, (23), from Johannesburg graduated Cum Laude and obtained the esteemed Dean’s Merit Award at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Durban International Convention Centre, on Monday, 18 July 2022.

Radebe’ s journey at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) started in 2019 when she registered for her National Diploma in Hospitality Management. Her first year of the three-year course was challenging as she was in a different province and away from her family. Luckily, she was able to make friends who became like family to her. Her final year was one of the most difficult years of her studies because she was doing eight modules in one semester and also experiencing financial constraints.

Despite the challenges that she came across she always knew that God is always by her side, and helped pave a way for her.

“I am over the moon and super excited as this is a great deal for me. I mean, to obtain Cum Laude and a Dean’s Merit Award in a field I am passionate about is something that I do not take lightly, as this goes to show the dedication and work ethics that I have. This also confirms that God always listens and answered my prayers and truly gave me the strength to make it to the end. I believe that this was not by my doing but God’s grace and power that I finished strong,” said Radebe.

Hospitality Management was always her first choice of study, she always loved cooking from a very young age and to have been able to study it and to serve people was just the perfect combination for her. She is planning to further her studies and to establish her own restaurant, and perhaps also partake in the MasterChef competition.

“To be successful at it you have to have the passion and patience for it. It takes time to get to where you need to, it will not just happen overnight. God’s timing is the best timing, “she said.

Photographer: Sandile Nkosi

Pictured: Zenande Radebe

Nomvelo Zulu