Hard-work and sleepless nights have earned Siphumele Sithole Cum laude and a Deans Merit for his Diploma in Textile Technology.

Sithole will be one of the graduands who will graduate on Wednesday, 10 June 2020 during the Durban University of Technology’s Virtual graduation at 12pm.

When Sithole left Jolivet, in the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal to pursue her studies at DUT, little did she know that she will not only make her parents proud but herself as well with her final achievement. Sithole lived her entire study journey abiding by her parents’ teachings and faith in God and she believes that is what led to her success.

“My journey at DUT started in 2017, after taking a gap year in 2016 due to financial issues. I completed my matric in 2015 at Siphapheme High School. I remember when I left home my parents were nervous about me going to study in Durban. I assured them that my plans were to excel in my studies, I did just that. I didn’t want to disappoint them. They have really been supportive,” said Sithole.

She is currently studying towards her Advanced Diploma. She is also doing her internship at Aunde Tap, a textile company at Rossburgh. Her goal is to further her studies to a PhD level, with the hope to later become a lecturer.

Getting a Dean’s Merit Award was the last thing on her mind, she said she shed tears of joy when the news came to her attention. “I am a hard worker but I never thought I will get a Dean’s Merit Award. My family is extremely happy and super proud of me. It wasn’t easy! Definitely after lockdown my family and I plan to celebrate my first graduation,” said Sithole.

Her advice to current students is to never lose hope even though the future is uncertain due to COVID-19.

Pictured: Siphumelele Sithole

Simangele Zuma