When 21-year-old Realeboga Malatji walked across the stage during the 2026 Autumn Graduation Ceremony held at the Olive Convention Centre on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, the moment meant far more than academic success. Behind the smile and Cum Laude achievement was the memory of a mother she lost during one of the most difficult chapters of her life a loss that nearly broke her but ultimately became the reason she refused to give up.
Originally from Midrand, Johannesburg, Realeboga graduated Cum Laude with her Advanced Diploma, adding to the distinction and Dean’s Merit Award she previously received after completing her Diploma in ICT in Applications Development in 2024 at the Durban University of Technology.
For Realeboga, this achievement is deeply personal. “This qualification is for my mother, losing her during my final year was one of the hardest things I have ever experienced. There were moments when I felt completely lost and unsure if I still had the strength to continue, but I knew I had to finish what I started for her,” she explained.
Balancing grief while pursuing a demanding qualification in Applications Development became one of the greatest challenges of her academic journey. She recalls how difficult it was to focus on her studies while carrying the emotional weight of losing someone so important to her life.
“Grief is not something you can prepare for. I had to learn how to carry pain and purpose at the same time. Every assignment, every exam and every sleepless night became part of a promise I made to myself that I would not give up,” she shared.
Passionate about technology and software development, Realeboga said she was always drawn to the way technology can solve real-world problems. However, after her mother’s passing, her studies became more than just a qualification to her they became a symbol of resilience, faith and honoring her mother’s memory.
Receiving Cum Laude for a second time felt almost impossible after experiencing such heartbreak.
“Graduating with distinction once felt like a blessing but achieving it again after losing my mother is something I genuinely never thought I would accomplish. It reminded me that even in pain, God can still carry you through,” she said.
Her family celebrated the achievement with overwhelming pride and emotion, celebrating not only the academic success itself, but the strength it took for her to keep going during such a painful season.
Realeboga credits the DUT for instilling value of excellence within her values she leaned on heavily throughout her journey. Currently she is completing an internship and furthering her studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, she hopes to become a highly skilled software developer and eventually move into leadership within the tech industry, using technology to create meaningful impact across Africa.
Through her story, Realeboga hopes to encourage others facing hardship to keep believing in themselves despite difficult circumstances.
“I want people to know that your circumstances do not have to define your future. Losing my mother could have been the end of my journey, but instead it became the reason I fought harder. Some days will break you, but do not stop believing that better days are still ahead,” she said.
Sharing advice to fellow students who wish to pursue the same journey and study within the field of IT, she encouraged them to remain consistent and resilient throughout their academic journey.
“Show up consistently, even on the days you do not feel like it especially on those days. The field of IT is challenging, but it rewards those who are curious, disciplined and persistent. Do not be afraid to ask for help and never compare your journey to anyone else. Lean into your faith and your purpose because there will be difficult moments along the way. But always remember, you are far more capable than you think,” she advised.
Pictured: Realeboga Malatji.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Sinamile Sithole
