At just 20-years-old, Maryline Khena from KwaMashu, Durban, is celebrating a proud and well-earned achievement, graduating with Cum Laude for her Diploma in Management Sciences, specialising in Operations from the Durban University of Technology 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony. The esteemed ceremony was held at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban on Friday, 23 May 2025.
A naturally reserved individual, Khena describes her journey at DUT as one of quiet determination and personal growth. “As an introvert, I have always thrived working behind the scenes focused, consistent, and driven. I have learned it is not just about working hard, but about working smart,” she said. This philosophy has guided her throughout her studies and helped her succeed in one of DUT’s demanding academic programmes.
Graduating with Cum Laude is a deeply meaningful moment for Khena. “It is not just a mark of good grades it is a reflection of dedication, smart planning, and staying committed through every challenge,” she shared. Her time at DUT pushed her beyond her comfort zone, helped her grow personally and academically, and ultimately shaped the professional she is becoming.
Throughout her studies, Khena aligned closely with DUT’s core values Integrity, excellence, accountability, and respect. “I have always stayed focused on my goals, held myself accountable, and aimed for excellence in everything I did. Innovation and working smart are at the heart of my approach,” she explains. “These values not only guided me through my studies they have helped shape the person I am today,” she explained.
In her academic journey she had faced some challenges, from adjusting to the fast pace of university life to managing stress and tight deadlines, Khena faced common student challenges with quiet resilience. “There were times of self-doubt, moments where I questioned whether I was good enough, but with time, support, and persistence, I learned how to manage it all and come out stronger,” she added.
The joy of her graduation was shared deeply by her family. “When I told them I was graduating Cum Laude, they were so proud and excited. Their support means everything to me, and knowing I made them proud made all the hard work feel even more worthwhile,” she explained.
Khena’s choice to specialise in Operations Management came from a genuine curiosity about how businesses operate efficiently. “I have always loved strategic thinking and problem-solving. This program gave me the tools to understand and improve real-world processes in industries like manufacturing and logistics. I am excited to put that into practice,” she elaborated. While she is currently focused on gaining practical experience in the workforce, Khena remains open to furthering her studies in the future. Long-term, she envisions herself growing into a leadership role where she can shape business strategies and drive meaningful operational improvements.
Her advice to future students is simple but powerful: “Stay curious and embrace every learning opportunity. Get involved, build your foundation, manage your time wisely, and don’t rush the process growth takes time. Keep pushing forward and trust that the effort will pay off.”
Pictured: Maryline Khena
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Sinamile Sithole
