“I always remembered Nelson Mandela’s quote ‘I never lose, I either win or I learn.’ The same goes for academics, failing a test is a lesson you need to take it positively and not negatively. A positive mindset and emotional intelligence will take you far. It is possible If I did it then surely you can. Your background does not determine your capability. Impossibilities only exist because we do not strive to make it possible,’’ said Vezani Thandazile Chule.

Chule graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Industrial Engineering Cum Laude with Deans Merit award at the Durban University of Technology 2024 Autumn Graduation Ceremony which was held at the Olive Convention Centre, Durban, on Monday, 20 May 2024.

Hailing from Pietermaritzburg in a rural area called Gezubuso in Elandskop, Chule (21), is currently doing her Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Industrial Engineering. The young lady said she was determined to excel academically at an early age.

“I was only in Grade 10 when I discovered that I wanted to pursue Industrial engineering. Getting a Cum Laude has always been my goal. I knew that since I got seven distinctions in my matric, I had to get the Cum Laude. As a young, female student from a rural area, I always felt pressure since I knew that I needed to excel in my academics to change the situation at home by eliminating poverty,’’ she said.
However, Chule shared that although she knew that with hard work, the impossible does not exist. But receiving the Dean’s Award was never the goal. Claiming that she did not want to put herself under pressure. Nevertheless, she was extremely excited and felt that this award is a significant achievement and a reflection of her dedication and academic excellence.

The Elandskop-born also praised her parents for their support and for being instrumental in her academic success.

“To my parents, I thank you for the continued emotional support. I used to call them at 3 AM while studying just to cry and complain about my studies. They always reassured me that I could do it, without my background and parents as a motivation, I would not have achieved this. Also, my Industrial Engineering Department lecturers who always assisted, I want to say thank you,’’ she said.

She concluded that to overcome challenges, she used her background as a motivation to excel. She knew that it was her responsibility to change her life for the better and make her parents proud. And through perseverance and hard work, she was able to overcome the challenging academic curriculum and excel in her studies.

#DUTGrad24 #UnlockedExcellence #AdaptiveGraduates

Pictured: Vezani Thandazile Chule.

Vukani Langa