An IsiZulu and Life Orientation teacher at Minerva Secondary School in Gauteng, Zinhle Mkize was among the top achievers from the Faculty of Arts and Design who were honoured for their academic excellence at the closing session of the DUT Midlands 2025 Autumn Graduation ceremonies. This exciting ceremony was held at Indumiso campus in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday evening, 13 May 2025.
Mkize (29) from Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal graduated Cum Laude for her Bachelor of Education.
Her DUT journey began in 2021 when she enrolled for her B.Ed majoring in Languages. She said becoming a DUT student had its challenges, she had to learn and unlearn new things.
“ I have learnt so much from my lecturers and fellow colleagues. DUT is a university that is known for striving for excellence. I am glad I could also be a part of the individuals that are flying the DUT excellence flag,” shared Mkize.
Among the DUT Living Values, the three that stand out to her are integrity, professionalism, and compassion. She feels these are values and principles she can also apply in her career and in life in order to make a difference and strive in whatever she does.
One of the major challenges she faced as a student was adapting to online learning during her first-year of study. For Mkize online learning was something new to her, she found it challenging not to have a lecturer in front of her to engage with in times of seeking clarity. However, she said she quickly adjusted and made it work.
She is happy to have made her family proud with her outstanding achievements. Mkize revealed that she had always had a passion for teaching and she is looking forward to making an impact in the society.
“I plan to make a difference in my learner’s lives. Most learner’s go to school because they have to. I want to mould learners that will love learning and that will grow up wanting to make a difference. I also want to be a part of the people that develop an inclusive curriculum that is why I want to do Curriculum Development for my honours,” said Mkize.
Her advice to students wanting to pursue teaching is to be friends with their books and familiarise themselves with reading and learning.
Pictured: Top achiever, Zinhle Mkize.
Simangele Zuma
