Swelihle Mkhize, a humble soul, but yet unapologetic in academics. She graduated with Cum Laude for her Honours in Bachelor of Journalism and received Dean’s Merit Award for academic excellence at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2026 Autumn Graduation Ceremony held at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC) in Durban on Thursday, 21 May 2026.

For her this remarkable milestone, it brings her joy, sense of pride and relief.

“I feel really happy and honestly a bit speechless. It is something I worked very hard for, especially during my honours year. There is a sense of pride and relief as well. I am just grateful and very proud of myself,” she expressed.

Hailing from KwaMakhutha, Mkhize started her journey at DUT in 2021 from her undergraduate studies, to honours, and now aiming for her masters degree. One of the biggest challenges in her academics was time management. Learning how to balance that and actually stick to a proper routine was one of the hardest parts for her.

Journalism was definitely her choice of study, but it was not her first option. She actually wanted to study language practice driven by her love for literature and languages.

“I even received offers for both courses in 2021. I first accepted Language Practice, but later changed to Journalism because it was a degree and felt like it had more career flexibility for me,” she said.

What fascinates her the most about Journalism is how it connects media, language and communication, and it how opens different career paths beyond just reporting.

Currently, Swelihle is a peer tutor and assistant for Photojournalism at DUT City Campus. It forms part of an NRF supported programme linked to her master’s studies. Her role is to assist first year students with practicals and assignments under the lecturer’s guidance.

All in all, the young lass is determined to continue to strive towards achieving academic excellence.

Pictured: Swelihle Mkhize

Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile

Vukani Langa