It was a wonderful moment yet also a sad time for Andiswa Ngcobo who graduated Cum Laude for her Diploma in Information and Communication Technology in Application Development.

Ngcobo graduated without the presence of her mother who had sadly passed away two weeks before her graduation day. Ngcobo embraced the stage at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony at Indumiso Campus Hall in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday, 13 May 2025.

‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,’ this is her late mother’s favourite Philippians verse 4:13 she recalled, as she rose to the stage to be conferred for her academic excellence.

“I am filled with a mix of nervousness and anticipation as I prepare to enter the work environment, but I am also excited since it will require me to continue learning, networking, and exploring opportunities in the field of IT to enhance my career prospects,’’ she explained.

Ngcobo (23) from Pietermaritzburg described her journey as a challenging one, but her mother’s favourite verse kept her going. Additionally, being the only girl child in a family of two older males motivated her to be the greatest version of herself and making both of her parents proud.

In a nutshell, DUT’s adventure was enlightening for Ngcobo. Her greatest highlight was getting to step outside of her comfort zone and joining a community that shares her desire, and to start a journey filled with new opportunities and adventures.

The switch from contact to online lectures was one of the various hurdles she had endured in her first year of online learning because of COVID-19. This change was challenging, particularly since she was staying at home and the learning atmosphere and concepts were still unfamiliar.

Going forward, she intends to continue studying and advance her knowledge in the field of information technology. She wishes to work for one of Johannesburg’s largest companies (Entelect) or abroad. Also, she hopes to open her own technology firm one day.

She said that what drove her into the field of IT was the vast career opportunities in the industry. Her desire is to learn more about the field, and to be a highly competent woman in the tech industry.

Her advice to first years is to study while others sleep, work while others procrastinate, prepare while others play, and dream while others wish.

Pictured: Andiswa Ngcobo

Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini

Vukani Langa