In the inspiring message given by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu to the 7 993 adaptive graduates who are being conferred their academic qualifications throughout the 32 ceremonies at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation ceremonies.
He said: “Today, on your graduation, it is here that DUT’s purpose comes to life. It is through your actions that our commitment to ‘contributing towards improving the’ lives and livelihoods’ becomes visible. That is our DUT way. This is also where the concept of the adaptive graduate comes to life,” he explained.
At today’s (Wednesday, 20 May 2026), session at the esteemed Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2026 Autumn Graduation ceremony, it was about shaping lives, creating opportunities and building a better future for the adaptive graduates.
For charismatic Siphesihle Lucky Ncwane, he has proved that he is not just an adaptive graduate but also a dynamic opera singer who began today’s graduation ceremony with his melodious opera rendition of a song, dedicated to his mother.
“Singing at graduation was so heartfelt and special to me, it was dedicated to my mum who had gone through so much for me to be at this point,” he said joyfully. He emphasised that singing also formed part of ‘giving back’ to his choir family, who were also there for him through his ups and downs.
Siphesihle’s love for his choir family further extends to Mr Miya, the highly regarded conductor and choral leader for the DUT choir, who mentors students and regularly showcases the choristers’ vocal talents at prestigious eventssuch as the Autumn Graduation ceremonies.
After his beautiful rendition of his operatic repertoires that showcased his dynamic vocal range and control, he walked the graduation stage and received his Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting during the DUT 2026 Autumn Graduation Ceremony, held at the Olive Convention Centre. His achievement marks the culmination of years of sacrifice, resilience and dedication to excellence.
“It is such a proud moment for me where my purpose has come to life,” he said.
Siphesihle shared that he is a proud member of the DUT choir for the past five years, and juggling his choir practice with his academic studies was difficult at times but with the guidance of his mentor, Mr Miya, it became easier to handle.
He expressed that he enjoys singing in baritone and emphasised that in his musical craft, opera relies entirely on acoustic projection where one uses one’s body as an amplifier to project their voice.
The choir boy, who is from Pietermaritzburg, said that his journey of singing began in primary school and continued right through to the doors of DUT.
He expressed how grateful he is to DUT for paving the way for his experiences and it how it has opened musical doors for him. He shared that he is proudly a part of the Playhouse Company which is a meeting place for people who love the performing arts, and where some of the best artistic and cultural performances on offer. At this stage, Siphesihle indicated that he is focusing his time and dedication to his musical craft both at the Playhouse and with the DUT choir.
Pictured: Siphesihle Lucky Ncwane singing opera at his graduation ceremony.
Photography: Khulasande Tshayile
Waheeda Peters
