Zizile Samukelisiwe Mkhize was filled with excitement when she graduated Cum Laude for her Diploma in Business and Information Management (BIM) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation ceremony, held at the Olive Convention Centre, on Wednesday, 22 May 2024.

She was amongst the top achievers from the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics who were honoured for their hard work and dedication to their studies.

Mkhize shared that at first, she had some doubts about the BIM programme and then later fell in love with it from the very first week of attending. Her first choice was to be a teacher and specialise in Business Studies but later got information about Business and Information Management and went with it.

The 21-year-old described her journey with DUT as a fruitful one, as she feels all the challenges were worth it.

“I cried when I was put to attention that I was graduating Cum Laude. I had learnt about the term Cum Laude in my second year and I was inspired and believed that I would be able to graduate Cum Laude as well. I feel proud and honoured and I know that I would not have done it without an amazing support system, which is my family,” she said.

Mkhize shared her words of appreciation to her late aunt, whom she described as her greatest support system as she herself graduated Cum Laude.

“I really am following in her steps. It is with sadness to know that she did not see me graduate and witness my achievement as she passed six months before my graduation,” she sadly explained.

The Umlazi born is currently doing an internship at DUT Department of Bio-Medical and Clinical Technology, where she works closely with the office administrator, conducting administration work.

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Pictured: Zizile Mkhize at the autumn graduation

Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.

Thubelihle Dumakude