Born and raised in Ntuzuma Township, Silindile Princess Ngcobo has emerged as a shining example of resilience, determination, and academic excellence at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). She proudly walked across the stage to receive her Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management during DUT’s graduation ceremony held on Tuesday, 25 May 2026, at the Olive Convention Centre.
As a self-funded student, she faced significant financial difficulties while pursuing her studies in Human Resource Management (HRM). Balancing tuition fees, study materials, and daily living expenses often placed her under immense pressure. Despite these hardships, she remained focused on her academic goals and consistently worked towards achieving excellence.
“One of the main challenges I faced was the financial strain of being a self-funded student. Managing tuition fees, study materials, and daily expenses placed significant pressure on me, and at times it was difficult to maintain balance while staying academically focused. However, this challenge taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of perseverance. It motivated me to work harder and remain committed to achieving my goals despite the obstacles,” she said.
Her dedication paid off when she received the prestigious Dean’s Merit/Cum Laude award for the second time, a milestone she described as deeply meaningful and rewarding. For her, this achievement represents more than academic success. As a Black woman, she views it as a symbol of progress and empowerment in a society where women, particularly Black women, have historically been overlooked and underestimated.
“As a Black woman, this accomplishment carries even greater significance for me, as it represents progress in overcoming past injustices where women were often not recognised for their contributions and capabilities. I feel proud, empowered, and motivated to continue striving for excellence and to inspire other young women to believe in their potential and pursue their goals with confidence,” she explained.
Throughout her journey, Silindile drew strength from the support she received within the HRM Department at DUT. She credits mentors such as Dr Anos and Dr Tatenda for playing an instrumental role in her academic growth. Their encouragement, guidance, and willingness to support students inspired her to remain determined even during difficult times.
Her passion for Human Resource Management was inspired by a personal experience during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when she lost her job through a retrenchment process that she believes did not fully comply with proper labour law procedures, particularly those outlined under Section 189. The experience exposed her to the realities and gaps that exist within labour relations and employment law.
Rather than allowing the experience to discourage her, Ngcobo used it as motivation to pursue HRM and gain the knowledge needed to advocate for fairness and justice in the workplace. She developed a strong passion for helping employees and organisations navigate labour-related challenges while promoting ethical practices and compliance with labour legislation.
Pictured: Silindile Princess Ngcobo.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Thubelihle Dumakude
