For many people, starting a new chapter at the age of 54 may seem daunting but for Ms Thobeka Dumakude, it became the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. Thobeka, who lives in Imbali, Pietermaritzburg, proudly graduated from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Nursing degree, at the Autumn Graduation ceremony held on the Indumiso Campus Hall in the Midlands on Wednesday, 13 May 2026. Her inspiring journey is a reminder that it is never too late to pursue an education, to rewrite your story and to achieve your dreams.
Thobeka was applauded for her determination, resilience and perseverance, which enabled her to fulfil her lifelong ambition of serving communities through healthcare. Her dream of becoming a nurse was placed on hold after she became pregnant at age 19 and she was forced to find employment and take care of her child. Prior to studying at DUT, Thobeka worked as an administrator for a non-governmental organisation that assisted patients living with HIV and AIDS. This was where her love for nursing resurfaced after her five-year work contract ended and her internet café business was not making enough profit.
Reflecting on her DUT journey, which began in 2020, Dumakude shared that enrolling at a university more than 30 years after completing matric came with many challenges, including balancing family responsibilities, academic pressures and adapting to student life alongside younger classmates. She shared that her four-year study period was extended to six years as she struggled with her studies.
“There were moments when I doubted myself because of my age but I reminded myself why I started. I wanted to prove to myself and to others that dreams do not expire. Education has no age limit. It took me six years instead of four years to complete my qualification. It was hard adapting to the academic environment. I found myself studying alongside students younger than my own children, but I never gave up. I was determined to finish what I had started,” she said.
Thobeka is currently completing her community service in a psychiatric ward at Jubilee District Hospital in Hammanskraal. Her duties include caring for mental healthcare patients, participating in multidisciplinary teamwork, administering treatment, monitoring patients, and supporting patients and families through mental health challenges.
She plans to study further, specialising in Mental Health Nursing after realising there is a great need for mental health support in society.
“My future goal is to work alongside other healthcare professionals to address mental health challenges in communities and contribute positively to people’s wellbeing. Graduating was one of the proudest moments of my life. Walking across the graduation stage made me feel confident, empowered and fulfilled, knowing that I had achieved something no one can ever take away from me,” shared Thobeka.
To those who might feel like it is too late to pursue their academic dreams, Thobeka advised them to never give up on education. She believes her graduation stands as a powerful reminder that perseverance, prayer, courage and lifelong learning can open doors at any stage of life.
Pictured: Ms Thobeka Dumakude during her graduation.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Simangele Zuma
