The Durban University of Technology (DUT’s) Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Management Sciences student, Lungelo Sphesihle Okuhle Ngema from Nkandla Emwane graduated Cum Laude and obtained a prestigious Deans Merit Award on Monday. 15 May 2023 at Indumiso Hall.

Her journey at DUT was not a walk in a park, it was stressful but she strived for the best. One time she found herself weeping because she did not get a distinction in Accounting, the subject that she liked and enjoy the most. She was appointed by the School of Education to be an Accounting tutor, so he is very proud because he did not apply for that position, her good grades opened this door for her.

From day one at DUT she planned to graduate Cum Laude but to obtain a Deans Merit Award came as a shock but she believes that he deserved it. “It felt like a Grammy Award, “she said.

One can agree that university life is not easy but with God on she side she concurred every challenge that came on his way. He came across a lot of issues, but he made it in style, she never entertained them. She believes that Deans Merit Award does not on mean she is the best student but it means she does not give up easily and deals with pressure accordingly.

Speaking on the challenges Ngema said,” I lacked computer skills because I did not have a laptop or a computer. I ended up not obtaining a distinction in Accounting because classes were held online during COVID-19 era”.

Ngema believes that there is no better feeling than seeing parents proud. Her family was very happy that she obtained Cum Laude and they kept asking the meaning of a Deans Merit Award. When they asked her about the meaning of Cum Laude, jokingly she would say google it, to her surprise they took their own time and made their research. After their research they would post him on their WhatsApp statuses with very amazing caption showing that they now understand the meaning of a Deans Merit.

Currently Ngema is working as an Economic Management Science educator and she is hoping to get a permanent position because she believes that learners deserve a hardworking and passionate teacher like her. She also wishes is to study further obtain her PhD and graduate Cum Laude and obtain more Deans Merit Awards.

She advised students to excel to excel in everything that they do. She also urged them to do their research about the major subjects that they choose in order to prevent unemployment. Ngema advised students to utilise every opportunity that they come across because it will help them in future. She also urged students to have a good relationship with your tutors they know best as in Zulu we say, isiZulu sithi indlela ibuzwa kwabaphambili.

In her conversation with the Communications team, Ngema thanked her family members and her study mate, Nkosivumile Msomi for supporting her throughout his journey.

Pictured: Lungelo Sphesihle Okuhle Ngema

Nomvelo Zulu