She believes she would not be graduating Cum Laude in her Bachelor of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy if it was not for her mother’s prayers and support.

Nokwanda Mazibuko (24) from Ezakheni in Ladysmith is proud of herself for successfully completing her qualification, making her to be among the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) students who will be honoured for their academic excellence at DUT’s Virtual Graduation ceremony on Wednesday, 10 June 2020 at 12pm.

Mazibuko believes this would not be possible if her mother did not always pray and offer her support in times of need.

“My mother did not think she would be able to put me through university. I saw her sacrifice a lot for me to get here. Her prayers and support carried me through. Obtaining this degree means a lot to me and my family because it was definitely not an easy road. My family has always been extremely supportive and they were my source of strength throughout. I am the last born of three children,” said Mazibuko.

She said she is forever grateful to her family for believing in her even when she had lost hope.

Her journey at DUT began in 2015 after she got an offer to study Homoeopathy and Biomedical Sciences.

“I decided to go for Homoeopathy. I chose Homoeopathy because it appealed to me more and DUT was an easy choice because it was closer to home. It is also, one of the only two institutions that offer the programme. I have always been passionate about the human biology and I knew I wanted to do something that involved the health sciences.,” said Mazibuko.

Along the way, Mazibuko faced some difficulties and was so close to giving up.

She stated that for some time she struggled with confidence, she started doubting if she had made the right career choice.

“I was anxious about whether I will fail and had a lot of “what ifs”. For a while I considered leaving the institution and doing something else. When I decided to just do my best and move forward, things did not seem so bad. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, overworked and full of doubt. I wondered if all this effort was worth it. I found that taking a break, going home and praying helped me get through those times. I also commend my lecturers who have always been supportive and ready to help. They made me realise that I can do it and much more,” said Mazibuko.

She is currently doing her Masters of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy which she claims is a requirement for her in order to go into private practice.

Pictured: Nokwanda Mazibuko

Simangele Zuma