Part-time lecturer at the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Department of Sport Studies and tutor for Cornerstone, Brightness Sandiswe Cele, could not believe she graduated with an accolade of Cum Laude in her Bachelor of Technology (BTech) Degree in Management, specialising in Sport.

The 24-year-old Cele said determination was the key to her success. “Work hard and one day you will reap the labour of your hard work. I was so excited and humbled at the same time when I had learnt of my accolade. I thank the lord each and every day, for without his love and guidance, I would not be where I am today,” she said humbly.

Coming from humble backgrounds, she still remembers her path to DUT like it was yesterday. “I had applied via the CAO and got a firm offer to study at DUT. With the little money my family had at home and also with the help from my relatives, I managed to pay the R500 to reserve my space. Armed with my faith I came to DUT with only R200 in my pocket, which I had saved. I was then forced to sleep outside the NSFAS office so I could be early in line the following day. Indeed, the Lord carried me through because I managed to register and secure resident accommodation. Going back home was not an option for me. Looking back to what I had went through, I thank God for he kept me safe and shielded me from any harm,” she said gratefully.

The field she had chosen was a decision she had made whilst at school, she always loved sport and interacting with diverse people. However, the challenges she had faced in this journey were mostly financial.
“I struggled a lot financially because at home my brother was the only provider and he couldn’t manage with the load of taking care of the entire family and for me. Also, another challenge was adjusting to the new environment since I came from a small rural town of Harding,” she added.
The journey has bore fruit and she is grateful for having her mother’s support as well as lecturers, Dr Sameera Hussain, Ms C Lots and Mrs S Singh, who have all contributed in her achieving her goal.
Through it all, she stressed that her education was the only option available for her to change her families’ situation for the better.

Currently, she is pre-registered under the Management Sciences Faculty for an MTech in Public Relations Management and hopes to work as a full-time lecturer at DUT.

Pictured: DUT’s Brightness Sandiswe Cele.

Waheeda Peters