At just 22 years of age, Rhea Jewan has already achieved a milestone that reflects years of dedication, resilience, and compassion. Born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, Rhea graduated Cum Laude and was awarded the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award for academic excellence for her Bachelor of Health Sciences in Nursing, at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation Ceremony held at the Indumiso Campus Hall in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday, 13 May 2026.
She now holds a qualification as a professional nurse and midwife. The achievement marked the culmination of years of hard work in one of the most demanding healthcare qualifications offered at university level.
She began her nursing journey shortly after matriculating in 2021. After successfully completing an entry assessment at Durban University of Technology (DUT) Indumiso Campus, she was accepted into the nursing programme. Although uncertainty surrounding funding initially created stress and doubt on whether she would be able to continue her studies, funding was eventually approved, allowing her to fully commit to her academic journey.
From the beginning, Rhea quickly realised that nursing required far more than simply passing tests and examinations. The combination of lectures, hospital placements, practical assessments, and patient care responsibilities demanded discipline, sacrifice, and emotional resilience. While many students experienced a carefree university lifestyle, nursing students were required to adapt to the realities of healthcare from the outset.
Her cohort also faced unique academic challenges. As one of the first groups studying under the newly revised South African Nursing Council qualification framework, students and lecturers alike had to navigate unfamiliar systems and requirements. The transition often created uncertainty, but Rhea believes the experience strengthened both students and staff while paving the way for future nursing cohorts.
“The primary issue experienced by my cohort regarded a change in the nature of our course. After many years, the South African Nursing Council adjusted the nursing qualification and code that is studied at university level. This presented as a challenge to our hard-working lecturers who had been teaching the same material under the same format for many years,” she said.
Throughout her studies, she embraced the DUT ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, particularly the values of honesty and accountability. She believes these qualities are essential within both personal growth and professional nursing practice.
Now employed at Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital, she is completing her mandatory year of community service while working in labour and paediatric wards. The experience continues to strengthen her passion for patient care, midwifery, and child health.
Looking ahead, Rhea intends to pursue postgraduate studies and further specialise in areas such as midwifery, trauma, or peri-operative nursing. Although the journey has been demanding, she remains certain that nursing is her calling.
Reflecting on her experiences, Rhea encourages aspiring nurses to pursue the profession only if they are truly passionate about caring for others.
Pictured: Rhea Jewan
S’bonelo Dlamini
Thubelihe Dumakude
