Returning to university after nine years has seen Thandeka Magomola being recognized as the top achiever in her field of study. The 32-year-old walked the stage this morning (27 May 2024), at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2024 Autumn Graduation ceremony held at the Olive Convention Centre.

Her journey at DUT began in 2011 at the Riverside Campus in Pietermaritzburg, where she pursued a Diploma in Public Relations, and graduated in 2013 while also pursuing BTech in Public Relations Management and graduated in 2014.

After nine years, Magomola decided to enrol at the institution again for the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration. She described her postgraduate journey as seamless. However, like many other students, the Soweto-born faced various challenges during her academic journey, including time management, financial constraints, and balancing academic, work and personal commitments.

She praised DUT for providing online learning platform to students who may be staying in other provinces due to work commitments.

“As a student based in Cape town, the online learning made things very easy for me. Graduating Cum Laude for me was a tremendous honour. It signified not only academic achievement but also dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence,” she said.

Magomola is currently working as a Senior Officer: Partnerships and Linkages at NorthLink Tvet College in Cape Town. Her career aspirations includes continuing advancing in the field of communications and business administration to make meaningful contribution into her society.

Pictured: Thandeka Magomola.

Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.

Thubelihle Dumakude