Losing his mother in his second year of studying was the most painful experience for Smanga Mpanza, however through that pain, he persevered by focusing more on his studies, instead of giving up.

The 25-year-old graduated in the upcoming Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2024 Autumn Graduation ceremony, held at Indumiso Campus on Monday, 13 May 2024. He is amongst the Faculty of Art and Design’s top achievers, as he has obtained a Bachelor of Education in Senior and FET phase on record time, with Cum Laude.

Hailing from Mandeni (Tugela Mouth), Mpanza shared his journey, the difficulties and the triumphs, including the painful memory of losing his mother, a day before writing his year-end exam paper.

“My journey with DUT began in 2020. I enrolled through the late applications period since this course was new and we were the first group to do it.  I was the last person to get accepted, I registered and obtained accommodation the same day.  In November 2022, I nearly lost my mind when I received the news of my mother’s passing. It was a Friday and the following Monday I was scheduled to write my paper. I thought my life was over but something told me to work even harder and do it for my late mother,” he said.

Mpanza felt the COVID-19 pandemic, which then led to the country being on lockdown, also made his academic life a difficult period. Having grown up in the rural areas without any access to modern facilities, Mpanza struggled with the online learning platform and other online sites that were used for assignment submissions. He had to put a double effort in familiarising himself with that situation.

“Graduating with Cum Laude is a significant achievement to me, indicating my outstanding academic performance and dedication I have been putting towards my studies. It also demonstrates my strong work ethics, discipline, and commitment to excellence,” he shared.

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Pictured: Smanga Mpanza

Photography: Nqobi Mngobese

Thubelihle Dumakude