The Durban University of Technology (DUT) graduate Thandeka Duma graduated with her Advanced Diploma in Business Management Information on Wednesday, 13 July 2022 at the DUT Celebratory Autumn Graduation at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Durban International Convention Centre (ICC).

Recently, Duma was knocked by a car and was left disheartened by this unforeseen accident since the graduation was imminent.  However, despite this mishap she became more determined to attend the graduation ceremony as an honour to her family since she was the first one to graduate in her family.

Besides honouring her parents, she felt that she also deserved to celebrate her hard work.

“This journey has been faced with lot of difficulties, hardships and joyful moments so I had to walk on that stage, despite everything that has happened to me, I had to celebrate my achievements,” she said.

For Duma, coming to Durban was also difficult for her to adjust since she comes from a rural area.

The moment she looked forward to was supposed to be a special and now with her walking on crutches it was uncomfortable and physically tough but she did it.

“Seeing the happiness on my parents faces and the positive reaction from the guests made me to be proud of myself. As the first graduate in my family I had to do this and inspire the upcoming generation in my family to believe in education and to be always positive,” she conveyed.

Pictured: Thandeka Duma

Picture Credit: Sandile Nkosi

Nomvelo Zulu