The Durban University of Technology (DUT) supports its students by equipping them with the skills required in the workplace, and in her case, it prepared her to be physically and emotionally resilient, enabling her to adapt to any environment she finds herself in.
Nompumelelo Mthiyane (23), a young woman from Inanda township proudly received her Diploma in Somatology at the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony, held on Tuesday, 30 May 2025, at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC) in Durban.
Sharing her journey at DUT, which began in 2021 with a Diploma in Somatology, she described it as transformative, filled with learning opportunities, challenges, and cherished memories. As she stepped through the gates for the first time, uncertainty what lay ahead, but she was driven by aspirations, optimism, and a hint of anxiety. The academic experience was occasionally overwhelming, with early morning classes, lengthy practical sessions, and multiple group assignments. Despite moments of self-doubt, she learned to persevere in all cost.
Working at the DUT Somatology clinic from second to third year allowed her to connect with outside clients and put her knowledge into practice in a nurturing and professional environment. This deepened her understanding of the significance of communication, empathy, and necessity of tailoring her approach to meet each client’s unique needs.
Sharing the challenges she encountered, she revealed that balancing numerous assignments, tests, and practicals often left her feeling overwhelmed by the heavy workload. However, despite the hurdles, she developed effective coping mechanisms, which ultimately led to personal growth and resilience.
Mthiyane said that the DUT values and principles that resonated with her were professionalism, excellence, and accountability. She explained that professionalism had helped her build trust with clients and maintain confidentiality, which in turn improved treatment outcomes and promoted a positive workplace atmosphere.
She added that pursuing excellence always resulted in personal happiness and professional success, encouraging her to strive for the best. Furthermore, accountability had fostered her personal development through learning from her mistakes, promoting integrity through transparency and honesty.
“Graduating with Cum Laude and being honoured with a Dean’s Merit Award is an exceptional accomplishment that I take pride in, showcasing my commitment to academic excellence, diligence, and resilience. This esteemed recognition not only highlights my impressive performance and commitment but also provides me with an advantage in my future pursuits. I appreciate the personal satisfaction and sense of achievement that accompany this honour, and I believe it will create new pathways for opportunities and career advancements,” she expressed.
“My long-term goal is to own and operate an integrated wellness and aesthetic clinic, where I can provide a variety of services that combine holistic treatments such as massages, aromatherapy andreflexology and aesthetic treatments including chemical peels, micro-needling, laser, and microdermabrasion. My aspiration is to establish a calm and inviting atmosphere where clients can feel encouraged to take control of their health, beauty, and well-being,” she added.
She concluded by advising first-year students pursuing a career in Somatology to stay updated on the latest research and techniques in this fascinating field. She recommended gaining hands on experience through part-time jobs or internships at wellness clinics to enhance their skills and confidence. Developing strong communication skills, such as active listening and empathy, is crucial for building effective client relationships. Prioritising self-care is also essential, as working with clients requires maintaining strong physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Most importantly, she emphasised the importance of committing to academic pursuits and practical sessions.
Pictured: Nompumelelo Mthiyane on her DUT Autumn Graduation Ceremony.
Photographer: Thobela Khumalo
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
