Karabo Losaba, a 24-year-old graduate from the vibrant township of Diepkloof in Soweto, recently celebrated a major milestone in her academic journey when she graduated Cum Laude with a Diploma in Nautical Studies from the Durban University of Technology (DUT). The graduation ceremony, held at the Olive Convention Centre on Monday, 19 May 2025, marked not only the culmination of three transformative years but also the triumph of resilience, and unrelenting determination.
Losaba’s journey at DUT began in 2022 a time when much of higher education had shifted online due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges of remote learning, Losaba immersed herself in campus life after moving into Corlo Court residence. She began to explore beyond academics, discovering a love for ballroom dancing and tennis through her friend.
Her academic path was just as vibrant. Losaba embraced every opportunity, from hands-on training in DUT’s simulation room to practical modules like Coastal Navigation, which prepared her for real-world maritime scenarios. Beyond the classroom, she joined the Green Campus Initiative (GCI), participating in environmental projects and expanding her horizons both socially and intellectually.
What stood out in Losaba’s journey was the network of support she cultivated. Lecturers such as Mrs Masuku, Mr Mtshali, and Mr Rotondwa played pivotal roles in her academic success, while DUT’s on-campus psychologist helped her navigate personal decisions, including a career path change that took her from dreams of aviation to the maritime world.
Her academic excellence was reflected in her graduating Cum Laude, an achievement she describes as a powerful validation of her dedication, sacrifice, and hard work. “It was more than just a mark of success, It was proof that perseverance pays off, and that even when your path changes, you can still find greatness in where you land,” she explained.
Losaba’s time at university was not without obstacles. During her final exams, she was diagnosed with traumatic cataracts in her left eye, which significantly impaired her vision. Faced with an urgent need for surgery, her newly activated medical aid declined coverage, leaving her family to bear the financial burden. They secured loans to cover the costs, and Losaba underwent surgery at Durban Eye Hospital just an hour after completing one of her most difficult exams. The experience, though emotionally and physically taxing, became a turning point that taught her the true meaning of resilience.
When she received the news that she had passed Cum Laude, Losaba shared it with her family the joy was overwhelming. It was a collective triumph that reflected the sacrifices, prayers, and unity of her entire family.
Losaba’s journey into maritime studies was not her first career choice. Her initial dream was to become a pilot, and she had even completed her student pilot license. However, financial constraints forced her to abandon the path temporarily. It was through determination and a student loan that she found herself at DUT, charting a new course in the maritime industry a journey she has since embraced wholeheartedly.
Now, with her academic foundation firmly in place, Losaba is preparing to begin her deck cadetship with the South African Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA). While waiting for deployment, she has continued applying to various companies, eager to begin her professional career at sea. Her long-term goal is to rise through the ranks and eventually become a ship pilot, a role she believes will offer both professional fulfilment and work-life balance.
She also plans to further her studies, aiming to pursue an Advanced Diploma in Nautical Science and later, and an Honours degree, to deepen her expertise in the field.
For first-year students stepping into the same journey, Karabo offers a powerful message: “Believe in yourself. Stay open-minded and adaptable. Remember to define is to limit. There is no limit to what you can achieve if you trust in your potential and keep pushing forward.”
Pictured: Karabo Losaba
Sinamile Sithole
