The background one comes from does not dictate the greatness one can achieve. These words hold special meaning for Vezani Chule (22), a remarkable young graduate from Gezubuso, Elandskop, a rural area in Pietermaritzburg. Despite the challenges that come with a rural upbringing, Chule made history, graduating for the third time with outstanding academic achievements.
Chule is a shining example to her community, showcasing consistency and academic excellence. She has achieved an impressive three Cum Laudes from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) since 2023 to 2025. Her outstanding accomplishments was celebrated at the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation ceremony which took place on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban.
She has successfully completed her Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Industrial Engineering. Reflecting on her journey, she attributes her success to the resilience and determination that has shaped her. “Coming from a rural area, I understand the challenges of accessing higher education and opportunities, however, I believe that these obstacles have fuelled my passion to succeed and make a difference in my community,” she shared.
According to Chule, graduating with Cum Laude is an incredible honour that represents a year of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. She described it as a validation of her commitment, motivating her to continue striving for success in her professional career.
Everyone has challenges in their journey, however, achieving goals is everyone’s priority. For Chule, finding a balance between her academic workload, personal responsibilities, and professional work as a young industrial engineer was a struggle. In 2024, her first year in the industry as an engineer, adapting to new and complex engineering concepts was a huge challenge, but the support from her family and lecturers was her backbone, enabling her to overcome those challenges.
She emphasised the importance of researching the course one wishes to pursue, and for her, Industrial Engineering was the top choice. Her fascination with problem-solving, process optimisation, and efficiency improvement drove her interest in this field. She noted that industrial engineering perfectly aligns with her passion for continuous improvement. Looking ahead, she plans to further her studies by pursuing a master’s degree in industrial engineering, with the goal of making meaningful contributions to the industry.
“God has blessed me with a wonderful family who have supported and encouraged me from the beginning. They have always reminded me to be as an example, given the opportunity I must have access quality education. When they heard that I would be graduating again this year, my family was extremely proud and overjoyed. They understand the sacrifices and dedication required to achieve academic success,” she explained.
She also shared her goal of completing her graduate trainee position in Industrial Engineering at the Automotive Company, where she is currently applying her knowledge and gaining hands-on experience. In the long term, she aspires to become a specialist in lean supply chain management, contributing to innovative and sustainable industrial solutions.
“I would advise first-year students to stay committed, develop strong time management skills, and embrace challenges. Challenges will come along the way but remaining strong and focused is key. They should take every opportunity to learn from lecturers, industry professionals, and practical experiences. They should not limit themselves in striving for more,” she advised.
She expressed her gratitude, acknowledging Jesus Christ as her source of strength, resilience, and wisdom that had guided her through every challenge and success. She also thanked her parents and family for their unwavering support, encouragement, and sacrifices throughout her academic journey, saying that their belief in her had been her greatest motivation, and she was forever grateful.
She ended up by sharing her favourite quote, “The impossible only exists because we do not thrive to make it possible.”
Pictured: Vezani Chule
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
