The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Nkanyiso Hlatshwayo from Mnwini village in Elandskop graduated Cum Laude and received the prestigious Deans Merit Award at the DUT 2023 Autumn Graduation ceremony held at Indumiso Campus Hall, Pietermaritzburg this afternoon on Monday, 15 May 2023.

The 23-year-old prides himself as he scooped 22 distinctions for his Bachelor of Education: Economics and Management Sciences.   Hlatshwayo detailed that teaching his fellow classmates at Goqisizwe High School in 2018 was what developed his love for teaching. He added that his grade 12 teacher encouraged him to apply at DUT, fortunate enough he was accepted. Furthermore, he expressed how he felt about scooping the Deans Merit.

“Graduating Cum Laude and receiving the Deans Merit Award was my everyday prayer since from my first year of study at DUT. God has made a testimonial of that he answers all our prayers. I appreciate all my friends and supportive family members, I am over the moon with my achievement,” he elatedly said.

However, Hlatshwayo said that during his academic journey things did not go as he had planned.

“My journey as a DUT student was not easy, the most painful incident that nearly effected my academics was the time, I lost my grandmother who used to be my guardian in my childhood, few weeks later I also lost my father. This did not discourage me, I remained disciplined and dedicated more than before. Being a first born who is from a disadvantage background is the main motivation that made me to focus and do well in my studies, ” he sadly said.

Hlatshwayo is currently doing his Honours degree in Education at the University of Free State. His future plans after graduation is to get a permanent teaching job and build the nation by grooming future leaders. Besides working as a teacher, he wants to further his studies to a PhD level and become one of the greatest lecturers

Pictured: Nkanyiso Hlatshwayo

Lethukuthula Ngubane