“My mother knew why she named me ‘Perceverence’ because she believed that whatever obstacles I face in life I will stand strong and persevere. The Durban University of Technology (DUT) gave me the opposite of what I had imagined, it gave me a smooth experience of how to balance work and academics. With the assistance from lecturers, I was able to access all the study material needed,” said an ecstatic Perceverence Nosipho Mbanjwa.
Mbanjwa (23), also known as Siphosami, enrolled for her Advanced Diploma in Business Administration with the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Business Studies Unit while working and never imagined it to be a tough challenge, but once she put her mind to it nothing could stop her from achieving academic excellence.
The dynamic lass who resides by the outskirts of Shongweni Dam, situated near Hillcrest, graduated Cum Laude with her Advanced Diploma in Business Administration at the Olive Convention Centre on Tuesday, 19th of September 2023.
Speaking of her thoughts upon receiving her diploma, she believes that it is everyone’s dream. “It’s a door opener because I believe it shows your dedication and determination. It also shows that you are passionate about your career path. I never thought even in my wildest dreams that I would find myself in this position, especially after not graduating Cum laude for my first qualification due to not being emotionally and physically fit,” she said.
She further relayed that the dream of graduating Cum Laude became a myth, and having achieved this, through all the challenges shows that it is possible.
“Growing up in the modern black society, education is one of the aspects of life or rather an aspect which I highly recommend when one wants to pursue success and make an impact for their families, hence, for me furthering my studies is a definite yes. As it is said in Isizulu ‘imfundo kayikhulelwa’ so as long as I get an opportunity to further my studies I will do so. I believe that furthering my studies will provide me with the advanced knowledge and skills needed for my desired career path,” she added.
Mbanjwa indicated that though her journey culminated to a positive end, however balancing work and academics can be challenging for a student. “I struggled with time management, fatigue and mental exhaustion. Another challenge is maintaining high academic standards while working can be very challenging,” she stressed.
Her advice to future students is to challenge themselves and seek knowledge from others to build a network for one’s self. “You have to be dedicated and willing to put in the work, don’t listen to what others are saying to sway you out of your path. Always include God in everything that you do, give your all to everything and he’ll do the rest,” she said.
Currently, Mbanjwa is working as an Internal Floor advisor at Jonsson Workwear. Looking ahead, her long-term goal is to start her own entrepreneurial venture, and become a recognised expert in a specific industry niche within Business Administration. In the short term, she plans to gain practical experience, apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations. and pursuing further education.
Pictured: Perceverence Nosipho Mbanjwa
Waheeda Peters
