Nontuthuko Buthelezi, 30, originally from Mtubatuba and currently based in Durban, described her journey at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) as both challenging and deeply rewarding. Balancing a full-time job, academic responsibilities, and personal commitments required discipline and perseverance, but she says the experience has been truly fulfilling.
She graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration cum laude and received the Dean’s Merit Award for academic excellence at the Olive Convention Centre on Monday, 25 May 2026.
Working in the Learning and Development sector has strengthened her belief that education is a lifelong journey. Although she has not yet registered for her Master’s degree, she has already applied and plans to continue growing academically.
Graduating Cum Laude with a Dean’s Merit Award is an achievement she describes as both exciting and meaningful.
“I am incredibly excited and proud of this achievement. It is a reminder that hard work and dedication truly pay off. This milestone means a lot to me and motivates me to aim even higher,” she said.
One of the greatest challenges she faced as a student was balancing work and studies, particularly while transitioning into a new job. Despite the demands, she remained committed to her goals and successfully navigated the pressures through discipline and consistency.
“One of the biggest challenges was balancing work and studies. Transitioning into a new job while studying made it even more demanding, but through discipline and perseverance, I was able to overcome these challenges.” she said.
Among DUT’s values, Nontuthuko resonates most strongly with excellence. She believes that striving to perform at one’s best, even in the face of challenges, creates opportunities for growth and success.
Her family reacted with immense pride and excitement when they heard the news of her achievement. She credits their support and sacrifices as an important part of her academic journey and says she is deeply grateful for their encouragement.
Nontuthuko chose to pursue a postgraduate qualification in Business Administration because of her passion for entrepreneurship. She believes that employment is not the end goal and has already started several businesses that are steadily growing. For her, the qualification aligns perfectly with her long-term vision.
Looking ahead, she hopes to further her studies through a Master’s degree while continuing to build her entrepreneurial journey. Her long-term goal is to contribute to job creation and youth empowerment in South Africa. She is passionate about skills development and believes innovative thinking is essential in addressing the country’s unemployment challenges.
Pictured: Nontuthuko Buthelezi
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Thubelihle Dumakude
