Despite facing repeated financial setbacks and academic interruptions, Thobekile Ngeleka never gave up on her dream. Today, she proudly graduated with a Diploma in Hospitality Management at Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation Ceremony held at the Olive Convention Centre on Monday, 25 May 2026.
Thobekile began her studies at DUT in 2019 with National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding. However, despite passing her all modules in 2021 her funding was cut, forcing her to pause her studies for two years while trying to resolve the issue.
In 2022, determined not to let her circumstances define her future, she worked as an Educator Assistant (EA) to save money for registration while appealing to NSFAS. Although her funding was eventually reapproved, the original programme had already been phased out, requiring her to restart her studies in 2023 under the Diploma in Hospitality Management programme.
Her challenges continued even in her final year in 2025 when NSFAS rejected her application under the N+ rule. Refusing to let her dream slip away again, her mother took out a loan to help her register while she submitted an appeal. Fortunately, the appeal was approved, allowing her to complete her qualification.
“I am dedicating this qualification to my mom for standing by me all the time. Even when NSFAS defunded me twice and I had to restart my course, I stayed committed to finishing my Diploma. Excellence pushed to not give up and making sure I graduate for my mother, who sacrificed so much for me,” she said.
Missing two academic years and restarting her qualification tested her resilience, while balancing her work as an Educator Assistant which taught her discipline and perseverance. Her passion for hospitality management comes from her love of working with people and creating positive experiences for others.
Currently, she is pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality, and she hopes to broaden her knowledge and improve her career prospects. Thobekile’s goal is to gain experience across different areas of hospitality and eventually grow into leadership roles where she can contribute to and lead projects.
Beyond academics, she served as an intern at the Hotel School in 2025 and was also a House Committee member in 2024, such experiences she says helped her grow both personally and academically.
She extended her gratitude to DUT as well as to her family and friends for their unwavering support throughout her journey.
Pictured: Thobekile Ngeleka
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Vukani Langa
