Gugu Madondo who proudly hails from Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal graduated Cum Laude for her Bachelor of Education Degree in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (FET) specialising in Natural Science, Mathematics, and Life Science at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony. This prestigious ceremony which honoured teachers was held at Indumiso campus in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday, 13 May 2025.
Madondo explained that her journey was not easy, especially after staying at home for seven years after matric without any lucky of being enrolled to any institution but DUT finally gave her a chance and she successfully completed her Degree.
“The journey was far from easy, coming back to study after such a long time was daunting, but I pushed through and gave it my all,” she explained.
Her hard work paid off, graduating Cum Laude was a testament to her resilience and academic dedication.
“It’s an incredible achievement, I am proud of myself for staying committed, even when things got tough,” said Madondo.
Among DUT’s core principles, Madondo resonates mostly with commitment and excellence, which she believes had shaped her academic journey.
“There were many moments of doubt and struggle, especially with the transition to online learning. I had never used platforms like Moodle or Microsoft Teams before, but I took the time to learn and adapt,” she explained.
As the first graduate in her family, Madondo’s success was not just for her but it was a shared victory.
“My family was overjoyed when they heard the news. It was a proud and emotional moment for all of us. I’m setting an example for my younger siblings and proving that it’s possible,” said Madondo.
Teaching has always been her chosen path, and her passion for education continues to drive her forward.“I have always wanted to make a difference in the learners’ lives. I believe teaching is one of the most impactful professions,” she explained.
Although she is currently unemployed, Madondo is eager to begin her teaching career and bring her knowledge into the classroom. In the future, she hopes to further her studies and grow both personally and professionally within the education sector.
“My goal is to become a dedicated, inspiring teacher who contributes meaningfully to the development of learners and the education system as a whole,” she said.
To first-year students pursuing a similar path, Madondo offered her heartfelt advice: “Stay focused, work hard, and do not be afraid to ask for help. Use the resources available to you and believe in your ability to succeed,” said Madondo.
Pictured: Aspiring teacher, Gugu Madondo on her graduation.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Sinamile Sithole
