Disadvantaged backgrounds are not something people choose to be born into, and they do not define one’s destiny. Nokwanda Ngubane is living proof of that, she has demonstrated through her academic excellence that the future is always in one’s hands. Ngubane proudly obtained her Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting during the DUT A2026 utumn Graduation Ceremony held at the Olive Convention Centre on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.
Sharing her excitement about the remarkable achievement, Nokwanda said she had not expected it because of the many challenges she faced along the way.
“To be honest, I was not expecting this because when I was studying for my Advanced Diploma full-time while also working full-time. I have always dedicated myself to my schoolwork. This is such a commendable and honourable achievement. It is exciting because it proves that hard work and all those sleepless nights finally pay off in the end,” she said.Hailing from Mbongolwane in eShowe, Ngubane comes from a very disadvantaged background and is the first person in her family to attend university.
Her journey at DUT has been an exciting and transformative one. She was exposed to many opportunities and experiences that pushed her to grow personally and academically. She began her diploma studies in 2021, completing her Advanced Diploma in 2024, and is currently enrolled for her postgraduate studies.
The 25-year-old also praised her aunt for the unwavering support she has provided throughout her academic journey. After the passing of her parents, her aunt stepped in to fill that void. Although she never had the opportunity to pursue higher education herself, she remained a pillar of strength for Ngubane and was overcome with emotion seeing her niece graduate.
Nokwanda said she lives by the university’s values. Integrity, for her, means that honesty in her work is non-negotiable. She demonstrates professionalism through the respect and discipline she practices daily.
Commitment, she says, means nurturing her personal growth even when studies become difficult. She pursues excellence and innovation by constantly seeking better ways to learn and create. These DUT values have guided her throughout her academic journey.
One of the greatest challenges she faced was the lack of emotional and academic support, as she often had no one checking on how she was coping with her studies.
Accounting has always interested her, and she hopes to continue growing within the field she has chosen. “I want to become a management accountant and be an independent woman,” she added.
Advising first-year students, Nokwanda encouraged them to remain dedicated and never forget who they are or where they came from.
Pictured: Nokwanda Ngubane.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Vukani Langa
