Born and raised in Cape Town, Tiny Yonelisa Sithunzi successfully graduated with a Dean’s Merit Award from Durban University of Technology (DUT) during the 2026 Autumn Graduation Ceremony held at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban on Friday, 27 May 2026.
At just 23 years old, she has already overcome several obstacles in pursuit of her dreams and continues to inspire those around her through her hard work.
After completing Matric in 2019 at the age of 17, Sithunzi had high hopes of furthering her studies immediately. However, life did not unfold as she had planned. She faced rejection from several institutions she had applied to, resulting in unexpected gap years. Although the experience was emotionally difficult, she refused to give up on her goals.
“The gap years were challenging, but they taught me resilience and patience. I learned that delays do not mean the end of your dreams,” he explained
In 2023, her journey took a positive turn when she enrolled for a Diploma in Marketing under the Faculty of Management Sciences at DUT. She explained that she wanted a qualification that connected with her interests and future ambitions.
Since joining DUT, she has grown both academically and personally. She built meaningful relationships with lecturers, classmates, and community organisations, creating a strong support system that motivated her to keep striving for excellence. In 2024, she became a tutor in the Department of Marketing and Retail Management, where she developed leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.
She also became actively involved in Uni4All, a community engagement initiative aimed at helping high school learners with online university applications. Through this programme, she was able to give back to the community while empowering younger learners to pursue higher education opportunities.
Sithunzi believes that commitment and excellence are the principles that define her journey the most. Her dedication to her studies eventually earned her Dean’s Merit and Cum Laude recognition, making her the first person in her family to achieve such academic honours.
“When I shared the news with my family, they were extremely proud and emotional, their support throughout my journey made the achievement even more meaningful,” she said.
One of the most difficult moments came when her NSFAS funding was cut from May until the end of the academic year. The situation placed enormous pressure on her financially and emotionally. However, she remained focused on her studies and continued working hard despite the uncertainty.
She plans to complete her Advanced Diploma in Marketing before pursuing an Honours degree. Her long-term goal is to establish herself within the marketing industry while continuing to grow professionally and academically.
To first-year students, Sithunzi offers valuable advice: “Build your personal brand, stay committed to your academics, and make use of every opportunity available on campus. Most importantly, dreams delayed are not dreams denied.”
Pictured: Yonelisa Sithunzi received Dean’s Merit Award for Academic Excellence.
Khulasande Tshayile.
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
