At the age of 43, Nontethelelo Eunice Ndawo proudly walked the stage at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Spring Graduation Ceremony which was held at the Olive Convention Centre, on Friday, 19 September 2025.

She received her second qualification, Advanced Diploma in Management Sciences in Public Administration. She shared that this served as the reminder that age was just a number when it came to chasing her dreams.

Expressing her excitement, Ndawo recalled joyful moments and shared that being an older student in her class was a great challenge that motived her to excel.

“One of my precious highlights was being the oldest student in my class. At first this was a bit challenging but, later it allowed me to be able to mentor the younger students as they would often regard me as a mother figure,’’ she said.

This was a step closer to her achieving her ultimate dream of obtaining a doctorate one day. At first this dream seemed farfetched from reality until she had started realising that it is achievable. Despite her age, she revealed that DUT was a conducive environment which allowed her to reach her goals.

She extended her gratitude to her family for always believing in her and showing her support even in difficult times. Hailing from Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, her journey at DUT began in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic when she had registered as a full-time student in Public Administration. She said that it was never an easy journey to embark on since she was a full-time employee at Msunduzi Municipality. She had to balance time for her family, work, spiritual journey and healthy lifestyle.

Graduating for her Advanced Diploma was a testament that no matter the circumstance or any tribulation one must never stop dreaming. Ndawo is a person of high integrity, and she strives to treat people with utmost respect. She sturdily believes integrity and respect are fundamental values that intrinsically shape and mould a person in the personal, and professional relationships.

The principles that she resonates with the most are commitment and excellence. These two principles are her primary life factors that she lives by. When it comes to furthering her studies for her the sky is the limit as she has a deep passion for Public Administration.

Ultimately, she would like to specialise in policy making within the Public Administration sector.

To first-year students she shared a profound advise, she encouraged them with the principle of ‘whatever you start, you must finish’ irrespective of any challenges.

“I would advise them to stay disciplined especially when it comes to time management. They need to remember that as a first time student, it is the time for growth, exploration and most importantly discovery. It is utterly vital to be patient with yourself as you stay curious and enjoy the journey,” she said.

Currently she is working at Msunduzi Municipality as Community Development Facilitator. However, she has been entrusted with a new task of establishing a new unit called Animal Pound.

“I am currently on a secondment basis, and I am enjoying the opportunity as I must do my own feasibility study,” she concluded.

Pictured: Nontethelelo Ndawo with the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Melanie Lourens.

Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.

Vukani Langa