Thabiso Ngubane graduated Cum Laude for his National Diploma in Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Application Development at the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Autumn Graduation ceremony held at the Olive Convention Centre, this afternoon, Wednesday, 24 May 2023.

The 23-year-old from the deep rural area of Msinga in KwaZulu-Natal gave some insight into what instilled his love for the ICT programme.

“I studied web development because I was very interested in the computer and its technology. I come from a rural background and in my high school there were no computers and when I came to Durban to study thereafter, I felt deeply in love with computers, this led me to pursuing a career in ICT. The second reason I chose ICT is because it has more career opportunities and in South Africa there has been a huge increase in job opportunities in the industry of ICT,” explained Ngubane.

Furthermore, Ngubane added that he had always been a very focused and goal-oriented person, and he knew that if he wanted to do well, he had to put more effort in his studies. His background has always been his motivation and he has always been a good example to his peers.

The cum laude graduate shared that it has been an informative but challenging journey. One of the biggest challenges he faced during his first year at DUT was the volume of work. He relayed that it was a big change from high school, and standards were also much higher. Ngubane indicated that he tackled this in a few different ways, meeting with his lecturers for advice on what to focus his attention on and set up a structured schedule to make sure he was putting in the required time studying.

The elated graduate shared his excitement upon learning he was graduating Cum Laude

“I’m not going to lie, it feels good, and it gives me a sense of accomplishment right at the end of my university career. I told my family and my peers about my accomplishment, and they were also happy for me,” he said euphorically.

Ngubane shared that he still wants to pursue his studies but the funding is the issue. He further advised first year students about the important of focusing on their studies.

“When it comes to your academic work you need the same principle of consistency, the hard work and the extra hours you put to work will be automated since you have made working every day your hobby. To all first years out there that shy away from living a foreign life, live your own life,” he advised.

Pictured: Thabiso Ngubane

Lethukuthula Ngubane