Thandeka Precious Ngubane’s academic journey has been remarkable and inspiring. Her academic success comes as a testimony that indeed dreams delayed are not dreams denied. It took her 14 years to finally grace the graduation stage.
She had matriculated in 2009. At 26, she had to go back to school to upgrade her matric results before enrolling at the Durban University Technology (DUT) at the age of 29.
The 33-year-old hailing from Mpolweni Mission in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, obtained her Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and FET with the Dean’s Merit award at the Indumiso Campus in Pietermaritzburg on 13 May 2024.
“Cum Laude is something I was working towards achieving. When I started studying at DUT, I told myself that now that my dreams have been delayed, I will obtain Cum Laude. The Dean’s Merit Award has been a bonus. I did not expect it but it is proof that hard work pays off,’’ she said.
Ngubane shared that her family were incredibly happy.
“My mother cried tears of joy and was extremely emotional. I am the first graduate at home, so yes history was made,’’ she said.
The Pietermaritzburg born Ngubane sees herself as a beacon of hope to underprivileged students and says that anything is possible regardless of their background.
“I want to be a living testimonial to underprivileged students, inspire them and to let them know that it is possible if you put your mind to it,’’ she said.
She highlighted that amongst DUT ENVISION2030 values and principles that have kept her inspired are honesty and accountability. “If you are honest with yourself, you will go far in life. When you are accountable, you automatically become dependable and responsible,” she said.
Her academic success was never easy. She endured various challenges, but she was determined to make it.
“Studying with students that I am older than was a challenge. Some of them would tease me, and judge me based on my age, and background. Knowing what I wanted in my life I pulled through many challenges. I managed to finish my degree in record time,’’ she concluded.
Pictured: Thandeka Precious Ngubane
Vukani Langa
