It was a bittersweet moment for the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Nokwanda Nozipho Mthethwa (24), graduated with Cum Laude and received the esteemed Dean’s Merit Award for her Bachelor of Child and Youth Care Degree. The ceremony took place at the Autumn Graduation which was held at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC) on Wednesday morning (31 May 2023).

Mthethwa, who hails from the deepest rural area of Maphumulo in the outskirts of Stanger in KwaZulu-Natal, shared that being an orphan and being raised by her grandparents motivated her to enrol for the Child and Youth Care as she wants to bring change into the community. She aims to assist orphans who have experienced trauma. In addition, she shared that on her bucket list she wants to open a non-profit organisation (NPO) that will assist orphans with their needs from primary school to the tertiary level.

She believes that her background motivated her to do well in her studies and attain excellence results. She applauded her grandmother who motivated her to do well in her studies.

“My grandmother once told me that if they are students who went to university and perform well on their studies, I can also achieve that. All I wanted was to make my grandmother proud and I am excited that she is happy about my accomplishment,” she said.

One of the challenges that she faced was adapting into university life. Mthethwa divulged that she used to hustle and look for part time jobs as it was hard for her to make ends meet. She shared that at some point she would use her National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to support her family.

The elated lass shared her excitement upon learning that she has attains Cum Laude and a Dean’s Merit Award for her academic excellence.

“I feel proud of myself, and I wish my late parents were here to witness first-hand my graduation day. However, I am grateful to my grandparents who raised me so well and today I am a graduate, hopefully this will open closed doors for me as I want to give them a better life,” she said proudly.

Mthethwa shared that she is currently pursuing her Master’s degree and she won’t stop until she graduates for her PhD.

Pictured: Nokwanda Mthethwa

Lethukuthula Ngubane