Nokwanda Mthethwa celebrated a remarkable milestone as she graduated Cum Laude with a Master of Child and Youth Care at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). The graduation ceremony was held at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban, on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, where Mthethwa was also recognised with a Dean’s Merit Awards a reflection of her outstanding academic performance.

Hailing from Mthandeni in kwaMaphumulo, the 26-year-old describes her academic journey at DUT as a transformative experience. “Studying Child and Youth Care was not just about earning a degree it was a journey of self-discovery, growth, and purpose,” she shared. Having already earned her Bachelor’s Degree Cum Laude, she now adds a master’s degree with Cum Laude and Dean’s Merit award to her list of achievements.

Reflecting on her time at DUT, Mthethwa expresses deep appreciation for the academic and emotional support she received. “My lecturers were more than educators they became mentors and a second family. Their dedication and encouragement inspired me to dream bigger and work harder,” she said. The institutional support, from academic resources to annual award ceremonies, helped her thrive and stay motivated through every stage of her studies.

Achieving Cum Laude in her master’s degree was a moment of joyful disbelief. “When my results came in, I was overwhelmed with pride and gratitude. I never expected to achieve this again, Sometimes we do not  stop to acknowledge how far we have come. This moment reminded me that I earned it every hour, every sacrifice,” said Mthethwa.

Mthethwa credits much of her academic success to her supervisor, Professor Raisuyah Bhagwan, who played a pivotal role in her journey. “She has been more than a supervisor she’s been a mentor and like a mother in academia. Her guidance and the opportunities she provided are immeasurable,” says Nokwanda.

Her academic path was not without challenges. In 2024, Mthethwa’s family home was impacted by the Tongaat Tornado, and she had to divert her bursary funds to cover repairs. She later suffered the loss of her grandfather who raised her after the passing of her parents just as she was completing her dissertation. “It was an emotionally taxing time, but I was determined to finish. I commuted daily to the Stanger library for internet access to meet my deadlines. Despite everything, I graduated in record time,” she elaborated.

In a heartwarming twist, Mthethwa as chosen to keep her Cum Laude achievement a secret from her family planning to surprise them at the ceremony. “They were so worried about whether I would make it or not,” she said.

Her passion for working with women and children has been unwavering since Grade 9. The Child and Youth Care programme offered the perfect avenue to live out this purpose while also developing her academic and personal potential. “This journey made me more empathetic, informed, and empowered,” she added.

Currently, Mthethwa is contributing to a DUT-NRF Science Shop collaborative project, under the leadership of Professor Bhagwan. Together with fellow Master’s students, she is supporting grandmother-headed and child-headed households in the rural area of Ndwedwe. Through community-based interventions including workshops, storytelling, music, beadwork, and behaviour management programs they aim to build resilience and sustainability. A new phase of the project involves training local volunteers to continue this vital work after the team’s exit.

Beyond academia, Mthethwa as recently joined APLGo as a Business Associate, distributing certified organic health sweets made from fruits, vegetables, and herbs. These supplements support a wide range of health needs and now serve as her primary source of income. “It is exciting to pursue both purpose and financial freedom,” she explained.

Looking ahead, Mthethwa plans to apply for a PhD in Child Law or Psychology in the near future. As an aspiring academic, she envisions herself tutoring, lecturing, and eventually supervising postgraduate students. “My long-term dream is to become a professor to shape minds and mentor future scholars,” she said.

Pictured: Thobela Khumalo

Sinamile Sithole