At 22-years-old, Esethu Azanda Jwara graduated Cum Laude for her Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science. She gave praises to the Durban University of Technology (DUT) website which directed her into an exciting course of study.

“I have always known that I wanted to work in healthcare. However, I did not know about the Medical Laboratory Science Degree until grade 12. I found out about it via the DUT website, which sounded interesting. That is when I decided to apply,’’ she said.

Her family was also present to celebrate her remarkable journey at the DUT 2024 Autumn Graduation Ceremony held at Olive Convention Centre, Durban, on Tuesday, (21 May 2024).

The overjoyed Jwara, born in Mthwalume believed that graduating Cum Laude was a great achievement and an hornour in her academic career.

“It is an acknowledgment of my hard work and commitment towards my goals. It brings me and my parents an enthusiastic sense of pride and joy. Most importantly I am extremely thankful to God for this accomplishment as this would not have been possible without him,’’ she said.

Her journey at DUT began in 2021, fresh out of matric. It was a journey filled with many challenges and great experiences. “Through it all I preserved as I have always been enthusiastic about the health science industry. Working in the Laboratory seemed rewarding because it contributed towards making people feel better,’’ she said.

Commitment, compassion, and respect are the DUT ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles that enabled Jwara to strive. To build and maintain meaningful friendships with people who continuously support her and contribute towards her growth.

She also advised first-year students who wish to embark on the same career path. “Life gets tough but remember you can manage anything. Be strong and fearless. Everything is possible when you have the right people to support you. Building the life of your dreams takes dedication, do not give up,’’ she added.

The Umthwalume-born is currently working at Ampath Laboratories as a medical laboratory scientist in the Haematology Department. Her academic journey is far from being over, as she aims to further her studies and continue growing in the health science field by venturing into the world of cytogenetics which is a branch of biology.

Pictured: Esethu Azanda Jwara.

Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.

Vukani Langa