The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Secretary-General, Marshall Dlamini once again graced the Durban University of Technology (DUT) graduation to show support to his other daughter, Okuhle Mbele who obtained her National Diploma in Hospitality Management at the DUT 2023 Autumn Graduation ceremony held at the Olive Convention Centre this morning (29 May 2023).
Mbele (21) was ecstatic and proud to see his daughter walk across the graduation stage. Last year, he witnessed his older daughter Sinazo Mbele being awarded her Diploma in Management Sciences: Marketing at the DUT Celebratory Autumn Graduation in July 2022.
Speaking about consecutively attending the DUT graduation, Dlamini said his daughters have made him a proud father. He feels good to be a father of graduates.
“ It is a proud moment; we are happy as parents as our kids are living in a time where they are confronted with various challenges, but they remain focused. I am happy with Okuhle’s discipline and for managing to succeed despite all the temptations out there. What is important is that you must finish what you have started. It is a beginning for my girls. We need to come back and frequent this place as they further their studies,” said Dlamini.
His message to his newly graduated daughter, Dlamini encouraged her to continue working hard and remember that the future is in her hands. He said as parents they can only do so much, but he is confident that she will make the right choices.
“As we continue to grow, we are unconsciously giving other people permission to grow as well,” added Dlamini.
Sharing her excitement after graduating, Mbele said she was inspired by her older sister who graduated last year. She deems her sister as one of her role models.
“It’s easier when you have the same people in the environment that are working just as hard as you. Hospitality is something that I discovered along the way, now I am in it and I am having fun. I plan to grow as a chef and grow in the Hospitality industry. I plan to make an impact, change people lives and their perspectives in terms of how they view Hospitality. I also plan to create for the younger generation to come,” said Mbele.
She was honoured to have both her parents present for her graduation and is grateful to God as she is aware that some students are not afforded that opportunity.
According to Mbele, being Dlamini’s daughter inspires and helps her to push and explore more opportunities. She is ready to enter the working world and shadow established chefs in order to build her brand.
Pictured EFF Secretary-General, Mr Marshall Dlamini with his daughter, Okuhle Mbele.
Simangele Zuma
