The journey from packing shelves during night shifts to earning an Honours degree is a story of resilience and determination for 28-year-old Skhumbuzo Mdunge from KwaNyuswa in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, Botha’s Hill.

At the Durban University of Technology Autumn Graduation Ceremony held on Thursday, 21 May 2026, at the Olive Convention Centre, Mdunge celebrated another major academic milestone as he graduated with a Bachelor of Honours Degree in Journalism. His achievement marked not only personal success but also a proud moment for his family, as he became the first person on both his family to obtain an Honours qualification and pursue a Master’s degree.

Mdunge serve as a Media and Communications Officer for the DUT Faculty of Management Sciences, he balances a demanding professional career while continuing his studies. His role includes writing stories for the faculty newsletter Sisika Kwelinonile, producing and editing visual content for the faculty’s YouTube channel, and managing the platform.

Mdunge’s academic journey at DUT began in 2019 when he enrolled for a National Diploma in Journalism, which he completed in 2021. Determined to broaden his expertise, he pursued an Advanced Diploma in Management Sciences specialising in Public Relations in 2022. During the same year, he secured his first professional role as a Media and Communications Officer at Fulton School for the Deaf in Hillcrest before later joining DUT in September 2023 as an intern. In January 2024, he was appointed on a contract basis, where he continues to serve today.

Driven by a passion for leaving a meaningful legacy, Mdunge explained that his academic ambitions extend far beyond personal achievement.

“Throughout my academic journey, I never came across an academic journal or book chapter bearing my surname Mdunge. That absence became one of my biggest motivations because I want to contribute original knowledge to the academic world. I want future generations, including my own children and grandchildren one day, to encounter my work in academic books and research,” he explained.

His determination was shaped by difficult life circumstances. After completing matric in 2015, Mdunge faced the devastating loss of his stepfather, forcing him to take on family responsibilities at a young age.

“As a firstborn with three siblings, I had to become a father figure, a brother, and a son all at once while still trying to discover myself as a young man,” he shared.

In 2016, he worked night shifts as a stock packer at a supermarket in Pinetown, earning only R80 a day. Those experiences became the turning point that strengthened his belief in education as a pathway out of poverty.

“To cut a long story short, that’s when I realised there was no alternative to escaping poverty apart from education,” he said.

Balancing work and academics required discipline and consistency. Mdunge explained that after finishing work he dedicated his evenings to studying.

Despite the pressures of juggling multiple responsibilities, he remained motivated by his desire to create a better future for his family and build a lasting legacy for future generations of the Mdunge family.

Mdunge is now enrolled for a Master of Journalism he has no plans of slowing down. His ultimate academic goal is to obtain a PhD.

His long-term aspiration is to become a lecturer or work as a communications director in the mining sector.

Reflecting on the values that have guided him throughout his journey, Mdunge said respect, integrity, and accountability remain central to both his personal and professional life.

“Respect was instilled in me by my mother from a young age, while my Zulu cultural upbringing taught me the importance of accountability and taking responsibility for one’s actions,” he explained.

Mdunge also expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support of his father, who will proudly attend his graduation ceremony after missing previous ceremonies due to illness.

“He never abandoned his role as a father. He remained present in my life, offering guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support,” he said.

To first-year Journalism students, he emphasised the importance of remaining open-minded about the opportunities the qualification can provide.

“Journalism equips you with versatile skills that are valuable in many industries beyond the media sector, including corporate communications, public relations, marketing, and stakeholder engagement,” he advised.

Pictured: Skhumbuzo Mdunge.

Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile

Sinamile Sithole