If academic excellence was a person, Tamika Asanda Colbeck would be the perfect example. She graduated Cum Laude and received her third consecutive Dean’s Merit Award for her Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations and Communications Management.

Her first two Dean’s Merit Awards were awarded for her Diploma in 2023 and Advanced Diploma in 2024.

“Graduating with a Dean’s Merit Award for the third time is a proud and exciting moment that reflects my hard work and sacrifice. It motivates me to strive for excellence in everything I do,” she said.

The 24-year-old from Durban is deeply passionate about storytelling, media, and connecting with people.

Her journey at DUT has been both challenging and rewarding. It equipped her with strong skills in media writing, branding, and strategic communication.

Beyond academics, she also grew personally by building resilience, improving her time management skills, and learning the value of networking.

She strongly identifies with excellence and integrity, which are among DUT’s Living Values and Principles.

“Excellence pushes me to work harder and aim higher, while integrity reminds me to stay true to myself and my values in everything I do,” she explained.

One of the biggest challenges she faced was balancing her personal, social, and work life. At times, she had to fill one cup by emptying another, but eventually, she found balance.

“No matter the challenge, I always tell myself that it is going to work out and that no challenge is impossible to overcome. The challenge always seems bigger than life when I am standing right in front of it, but once I overcome it, I realise how small it was,” she said.

Contrary to her success in public relations, it was not her first choice. As a naturally shy and reserved person, she believed the course helped in boosting her confidence.

Her goal is to explore every opportunity within the field because she believes every organisation needs public relations. She hopes to build a successful career in public relations and communications, working in media, corporate communications, or digital branding.

“I aspire to grow into a professional who makes meaningful contributions to organisations and communities,” she said.

Sharing advice with first-year students, she encouraged them to always speak up in class, build their personal brand, form meaningful relationships, and communicate with people in the industry as well as students from other courses.

Pictured:Tamika Colbeck.

Photographer : Khulasande Tshayile

Vukani Langa