Babelwe Mzulwini from Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has done himself proud by following in his family footsteps, his mother and aunt who are already in the public administration sector. He graduated Cum Laude for his Advanced Diploma in Public Administration in Supply Chain Management at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2026 Autumn Graduation Ceremony at Indumiso Campus Hall in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday, 12 May 2025.
Looking at his current success, Mzulwini was not surprised because he has been always determined and whatever hurdles he had encountered DUT, he took them as his source of inspiration. He had to stay disciplined, endure long nights and adhere to strict academic deadlines.
Graduating with Cum Laude for the second time was a deeply rewarding and humbling achievement for Mzulwini, as it reflected the consistency throughout his academic journey.
Mzulwini travelled beyond South African borders to Taiwan, representing not only himself but also his institution and family at the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology’s 120-Hour Intensive Training Course for African Elites.
“It was an experience that stretched his perspective far beyond the classroom, placing him in global conversations about leadership and development,” he expressed.
Mzulwini shared that DUT living values have become more than just institutional strategy to him they are values he intentionally applies in his daily academic, leadership, and personal life. He explained that throughout his journey as a student leader and aspiring public servant, values such as integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence have guided the way he interacts with others and approach every opportunity placed before him.
“I believe integrity is demonstrated through remaining disciplined, honest, and committed even during moments of uncertainty and pressure. I believe respect is reflected in the way we treat students, staff, and communities with dignity regardless of their backgrounds. Accountability has taught me the importance of taking responsibility for both my achievements and my challenges, while excellence continues to inspire me to consistently strive for improvement rather than settling for the bare minimum,” Mzulwini explained.
He shared that when he told his family he would be graduating with Cum Laude for the second time, they were overwhelmed with happiness and pride. For them, the achievement represented more than academic success reflected the hard work, sacrifices, late nights, and determination that had shaped his journey over the years.
Mzulwini also explained that his family has always been a source of strength and motivation, especially during challenging periods when the pressure to maintain high academic standards felt overwhelming.
In giving advice to first-year students, he encouraged them to never lose sight of where they come from and to remain grounded in their goals, values, and beliefs. He emphasised that understanding one’s background and purpose can serve as motivation during difficult times and help students remain focused on their academic journey.
“Success does not happen overnight. Through consistency, discipline, and believing in yourself, you can eventually place yourself in rewarding and celebratory moments that reflect your hard work and sacrifices. Education is a powerful key that can open many doors and create opportunities capable of transforming your life,” he concluded.
Pictured: Babelwe Mzulwini
S’bonelo Dlamini
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
