Halalisa Xulu graduated Cum Laude and obtaiend a Dean’s Merit Award for her Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Information Management at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation which was held at the Olive Convention Centre on Wednesday, 22 May 2023.

Xulu joined DUT in 2023 to further her studies and she described her journey to be transformative and challenging since she had no financial assistance. Her struggles motived her to work even harder to be able to secure a bursary and continue with her studies.

“Receiving the news that I was graduating Cum laude with a Dean’s Merit, reminded me that hard worker indeed does pay off and that God was so faithful. The journey was not an easy one, due to the level of study and having to adjust to a completely new environment but challenges made my goals to be exciting to achieve. I took a risk registering because I had no financial backup nor a bursary, but I believe that pushed me to work even harder,” said Xulu.

Xulu shared how she was inspired by her mother who took care of them as a single parent, sacrificing a lot after they lost their father. She dedicated the achievement to her for being a constant reminder that you get up every time and try again.

She aspires to be a well accomplished academic one day who will produce successful and top-achieving students and believes that she is one step closer to her destiny.

Xulu advised students wishing to pursue a career in the same course to have strength and resilient.

“Have passion for corporate, you need to be a very positive individual who is teachable and hard working. Opportunities are out there; you need to have the strength and resilient to try and reach out for as many as you can get,” advised Xulu.

Pictured: Halalisa Xulu.

Patience Makhaye