From sharing newsroom stories and chasing deadlines together to celebrating a major academic milestone side by side, Tracy Valaydham, Nothando Ndlovu and Nonhlakanipho Magwaza, South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) journalists, experienced a once-in-a-lifetime moment when they graduated together with a Bachelor of Journalism Honours at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation Ceremony held at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban.
These three women represent excellence and the power of education while balancing demanding careers with academic responsibilities. Their achievements are not only a personal victory but also an inspiration to working professionals, especially women who aspire to further their studies while building successful careers.
Despite the pressures of the newsroom and the demands of postgraduate studies, the three graduates remained committed to their goals. Their journeys highlight the importance of lifelong learning and the courage to pursue personal growth regardless of age or circumstance.
Tracy Valaydham, a news reader from Lotus FM based in Reservoir Hills, Durban, described the moment as immeasurable. Having first graduated in 2010 with a National Diploma in Journalism, returning to university while working full-time was both challenging and rewarding.
“It was truly an honour to graduate in 2026 with my Bachelor of Journalism Honours. There are so many things to juggle when you are an employee, wife, sister and daughter. When challenges arise, you need to take them head-on and come out stronger on the other side,” she said.
For Nothando Ndlovu, a producer for Ukhozi FM Current Affairs for Abasiki Bebunda and Ezangempelasonto, graduating was the fulfilment of a long-held dream. She explained that finding time to study while working traditional office hours at a previous employer had delayed her academic journey.
“Being part of the DUT 2026 Autumn Graduation means a lot to me because I have been trying to further my studies for the longest time,” she said.
She added that completing postgraduate studies while working full-time required discipline and sacrifice.
“It was not a walk in the park. I had to balance work, school and family time carefully. My family became my biggest support system and encouraged me whenever I wanted to give up,” she said.
Nonhlakanipho Magwaza, a senior reporter from Lamontville, said walking across the graduation stage brought back memories of her previous graduation in 2005.
“It felt great. I had forgotten the feeling of walking on that graduation stage,” she reflected.
She explained that returning to full-time studies after many years was challenging, especially while balancing motherhood, work responsibilities and academic deadlines.
“Studying again after so many years was a challenge on its own. As a reporter, I am always out on stories, sometimes travelling long distances. After work, I still had to complete assignments and prepare presentations,” she said.
As they celebrate this significant milestone together, they continue to inspire aspiring journalists and working professionals across South Africa.
Pictured: SABC journalists Tracy Valaydham, Nothando Ndlovu and Nonhlakanipho Magwaza.
Pictures supplied.
Vukani Langa
