Adaptive graduate, Sibonakaliso Brian Dlamini was proud of himself for obtaining Cum Laude and the Dean’s Merit Award for his Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration specialising in Disaster and Risk Management. He graduated this morning (Monday, 24 May 2024) during the Faculty of Management Sciences session at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2024 Autumn Graduation ceremony held at the Olive Convention Centre, Durban.

Hailing from Umhlabashane, Dlamini shared he was passionate about being a public servant and studying for this course has taught him the importance of serving rural communities. “Although it was not easy, I told myself that my background would not stop me from pursuing my dreams, and because of the supportive environment at DUT, I was able to continue with my studies and cannot wait to serve my community,” he said.

From his very first semester on campus, he decided that he would give his best effort and try to reach his full potential, especially since he was new to the world of Public Administration. It then became his lifestyle to manage his time efficiently, work smart and hard, and to establish consistency in his studies. Hence it was always his goal to achieve well in his studies.

He was aiming to graduate Cum Laude, but the Deans Merit came as a surprise and that showed him that discipline and hard work always pays off. “I would like to give all praises to God who guided me all the way. I am extremely grateful to all the staff of DUT that have made this achievement possible, as well as my family and friends,” he concluded.

Dlamini’s career aspirations includes working as a public administration professor in one of big municipalities. He is currently completing a graduate program at eThekwini Municipality Disaster Management Centre where he oversees the conduction of damage assessments after incidents and declared disasters, using incident form to collect data and compiling reports to be share with relevant stakeholders for relief purposes.

#DUTGrad24 #UnlockedExcellence #AdaptiveGraduates

Pictured: Sibonakaliso Brian Dlamini at the Autumn Graduation ceremony

Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.

Thubelihle Dumakude