Three of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Advancement and Alumni Relations bursary recipients, Malusi Nxumalo, Londiwe Zondi and Thenjiwe Mhlongo graduated for their Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Information Management; Msizeni Zungu graduated with his Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Management, at the DUT 2023 Autumn Graduation which was held at the Olive Convention Centre on Wednesday morning (24 May 2023).

The graduates are grateful to the Advancement and Alumni Relations office for affording them the opportunity to further their studies while still searching for permanent employment.

Nxumalo from KwaMadiyane at Nkandla is proud that he has succeeded against all odds. Nxumalo comes from a disadvantaged background, and he was raised by his gogo after his mother passed away while he was very young. Nxumalo who is currently enrolled for his Master of Management Sciences in Administration and Information Management at DUT impressed many at graduation, coming fully dressed in his isiZulu traditional attire.

“I am a member of the Nazareth Baptist Church in ekuPhakameni, led by His Holiness uBaba uShembe Inkosi iNcoyincoyi Inyon’Emhlophe, without him I would not have reached this level; he is my Almighty,” said Nxumalo, sharing his inspiration behind his dress code.

 He stated that he would not have obtained this qualification if it was not for the Give a Tiger Brand full bursary, he received via the office of the DUT Advancement and Alumni Relations.

“I would want to express my gratitude to the DUT Advancement and Alumni Relations office for providing me with such distinguished assistance. I am a proud graduate of Durban University of Technology and I thank them for the outstanding and fantastic job they do for students,” said Nxumalo, who is currently working as an intern in the Marketing, Public Relations and Events unit at DUT.

 Another recipient, Londiwe Zondi (28) from Skhawini, Empangeni said she obtained the bursary at a time where she was starting to lose hope of getting funding to further her studies. She is also enrolled for her Master’s Degree in Business and Information Management at DUT. She recalled her tough journey at DUT where at some point she had one pair of jeans which made her to be ashamed of herself. However, she is grateful to her single mother who managed to take care of her and her five siblings with the little money that she had.

Sharing the same sentiments was Thenjiwe Mhlongo (27) from eShowe, who said that if it was not for the Advancement and Alumni Relations office giving her this opportunity, she would not have obtained this qualification. Mhlongo is currently unemployed but has a desire to venture into the business world in order to empower herself and those around her.

“I am truly grateful to the Advancement and Alumni Relations office for their assistance in my studies. Getting into higher education requires massive funds which at the time I did not have. If it was not for the SRC Grant I was not going to be able to register. Once your register,  only half of the problem gets sorted, therefore, I still needed funds to pay for my fees and the Advancement and Alumni Relations office came to my rescue,” said Msizeni Zungu, DUT Communications intern.

Pictured: Alumni and Advancement office bursary recipients, Londiwe Zondi, Malusi Nxumalo and Thenjiwe Mhlongo.

Simangele Zuma