The dynamic 22-year-old, Zekhethelo Nosihle Kwinana from Umbilo, shared her inspiring academic journey at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), where she had studied and completed her Advanced Diploma in Management Science in Human Resources Management. She graduated at the DUT 2026 Autumn Graduation on Tuesday, 12 May 2026 at Indumiso Hall in Pietermaritzburg (PMB).
She described her time at DUT as a period of hard work and personal growth, shaped by sleepless nights, assignments, and group work that taught her discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Although she was not very social before, living in residence and engaging in group activities helped her develop strong interpersonal skills and grow into a better version of herself.
She expressed great joy and shock at graduating with Cum Laude, saying she only realised it when she received her graduation ticket. The achievement was emotional and deeply fulfilling for her, as it reflected the dedication and effort she had invested throughout her studies.
“I strongly associate myself with the DUT living value of integrity, as it guided me to always do the right thing even when no one was watching, especially during challenging moments when I had to submit quality work despite exhaustion. As a class representative, integrity also helped me lead by example,” she explained.
Zekhethelo also faced several challenges during her studies, including financial difficulties as she was not funded, and the strain of travelling from home to the Pietermaritzburg campus for evening classes. Time management was another struggle, but her leadership role motivated her to remain focused and disciplined.
According to Zekhethelo, her family remained a strong source of support and celebrated her success with great pride, especially as she is among the first in her family to graduate, making the Cum Laude achievement even more meaningful.
She explained that Human Resources Management was her chosen field because of her passion for working with people, managing teams, and resolving conflict. She plans to further her studies once she is financially stable, as her current situation has made it difficult to continue immediately.
“My goal is to contribute meaningfully to the Human Resources field by creating positive work environments, supporting employee growth, and ensuring fair conflict resolution,” she added.
Offering advice to first-year students, she encouraged them to enjoy university life but remain focused, manage their time well, attend classes, and stay consistent even during difficult times.
She also shared that her transition into university life was initially overwhelming, as she had to adjust to independence and being away from her parents, but she gradually adapted and stayed focused on her goals.
She concluded by expressing gratitude to her family and DUT for their support and opportunities, stating that graduating Cum Laude proved that hard work truly pays off. She said she is excited for the future and ready to continue growing in her career.
Pictured: Ms Zekhethelo Nosihle Kwinana.
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