Andiswa Mhlongo believed taking accountability of her school work was what led her to graduate Cum Laude for her Diploma in Management Sciences specialising in Operations Management at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation ceremony which took place at the Olive Convention Centre on Saturday, 25 May 2024.
The adaptive graduate born and bred at Umlazi G-section was ecstatic when she was listed amongst the top achievers from the Faculty of Management Sciences.
According to Mhlongo (21) being acknowledged for her academic excellence was like a dream come true, especially since she knew that her DUT journey was not a walk in the park.
“I am still in disbelief that I, Andiswa Mhlongo graduated Cum Laude. It felt unreal even though I knew that I did put in the hard work and I was reaping the rewards of my labour. This achievement served as consistent reminder that hard work really pays off,” shared the elated Mhlongo.
She joined DUT in 2021 and described her academic journey as one that had its fair chance of trials and tribulations.
“ My DUT journey was scary at first having started university at the age of 18. It was my first time being away from home and I had to start taking care of myself worse buying groceries, which was something I was not familiar with. However, it was also an opportunity of discovering myself and meeting new people with different personalities, which also served as a room of self-growth . Being in varsity had its own temptations but with my family’s discipline I managed to escape these temptations. My journey also consisted of sleepless nights and crying sessions here and there because it can be hard at times,” explained Mhlongo.
Amongst the DUT ENVISION2030 values and principles, Mhlongo said associated the most with respect and accountability. For her, respect was vital and her desire if for people to know that having respect will take them far in life. Meanwhile for her, accountability meant getting the work done, achieving what was required of her.
Some of the challenges she faced included transitioning from online learning to contact learning and learning her way around the campus. Also, having to deal and get along with roommates, as they came from different households.
She is currently enrolled for her Advanced Diploma in Operation Management and her eyes are set on becoming a qualified operations manager and to pass her knowledge to the people who aim to walk on the same career path.
Pictured: Andiswa Mhlongo.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.
Simangele Zuma
