Amanda Ngcamu graduated with Cum Laude and received the Dean’s Merit Award for academic excellence with her Diploma in Consumer Sciences Food and Nutrition at Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation Ceremony held at Olive Convention Centre (OCC) Durban on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

Throughout her qualification, she earned multiple awards that reflected her commitment to excellence and her outstanding achievement was not a surprise.

“I always aim for excellence in everything that I do. Whether it is in academics, work or in general life. My competition is not someone else but the person I was yesterday,” she said. Amanda who has been staying with her dad in Cape Town since 2008 moved to Durban in 2023 to follow her dream.  Her journey was not an easy one. During her first year, Amanda had faced serious financial challenges after not receiving funding. Despite the uncertainty and pressure, she remained focused on her goals. In 2024 and 2025, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) finally granted her funding, allowing her to continue pursuing her studies.

She believes in three DUT Living Values and Principles, accountability, compassion, and excellence. She said accountability keeps her focused on her goals, compassion allows her to help others, and excellence pushes her to become better than she was yesterday.

Being away from her father, her biggest supporter, was emotionally challenging, but his encouragement motivated her to keep going.

Amanda is currently enrolled for her Advanced Diploma in Consumer Sciences Food and Nutrition whilst working as a Food Science 1 tutor and graduate assistant in the Food and Nutrition department.

Her dream is to grow in product development and continue creating innovative food products that bring customer satisfaction and positive change.

Pictured: Amanda Ngcamu

Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile

Vukani Langa