Leaving Limpopo for KwaZulu-Natal to pursue her academic qualification was a major turning point for Ndamulelo Masonono as it required her to adapt to a new environment, culture and social setting. Ndamulelo who was listed among the top achievers for the Faculty of Applied Sciences graduated Cum Laude and obtained the prestigious Dean’s Merit award for academic excellence for her Advanced Diploma in Nautical Studies at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation ceremony, held at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.
The 24-year-old adaptive graduate from Thohoyandou in Limpopo described her academic journey as more than a personal accomplishment, but rather the continuation of a legacy built on sacrifice, hard work and faith.
“My journey at DUT has been shaped by discipline, resilience, adaptability, sacrifice and faith. Graduating Cum Laude with a Dean’s Merit award was deeply meaningful to me because it represented far more than an academic performance. It represented perseverance during uncertainty and sacrifices that could not be seen,” she said.
As a Venda speaking student, Ndamulelo said there were moments where she found herself as the only person who spoke her language or carried her cultural identity in certain spaces. For her, that experience taught her confidence, emotional resilience and the importance of remaining grounded in who she was.
Her initial dream was to become a navigational officer in the maritime industry. Before completing her diploma, she received a cadetship opportunity through the South African Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA), which she viewed as confirmation that her sacrifices were paying off. However, after completing her diploma, the commencement of the cadetship was postponed due to insufficient government funding.
“That season was one of the most difficult moments of my journey. I had prepared myself for the seagoing path, only to be told to wait. But instead of allowing disappointment to define me, I chose to continue growing,” she said.
Rather than giving up, Ndamulelo registered for her Advanced Diploma at DUT, a decision she is now proud of. During her studies, she developed a broader understanding of the maritime industry beyond navigation and discovered a growing passion for the commercial side of maritime, particularly shipping business and chartering.
“What initially felt like a delay became a redirection. My dream did not die; it changed direction,” she reflected.
Despite her strong academic performance, Ndamulelo faced significant financial challenges as she was unable to secure bursary funding for her Advanced Diploma. She credits her family for carrying her through the difficult period.
“This qualification may carry my name, but it was carried by my family’s sacrifices, love and faith. When my family heard I would be graduating Cum Laude with a Dean’s Merit Award, it was not only my victory, it was a family victory,” she said emotionally.
She is currently involved in academic support and professional development at DUT and expressed gratitude to Dr Manqele and Captain Sithole for providing her with opportunities to continue growing professionally while contributing meaningfully to the institution.
Looking ahead, Ndamulelo plans to further her studies through an opportunity with an internationally respected institution specialising in chartering. Her long-term goal is to build an international career in commercial shipping and chartering by combining her Nautical Science background with operational and strategic maritime knowledge.
Pictured: Ndamulelo Masonono
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Simangele Zuma
