Returning to the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 11 years later to further her studies was the best choice for Samukelisiwe Zulu (32), who obtained her Advanced Diploma in Public Administration: Disaster and Risk Management. She graduated under the Faculty of Management Sciences at the DUT 2024 Autumn Graduation ceremony, held at the Olive Convention Centre on Monday, 27 May 2024.
Despite her dropping out of university in 2009 as a first-year-student, due to financial constraints, Zulu persevered and took the plunge and began her academic journey in 2020 after resigning from her then job to seek a formal qualification in Public Administration at DUT.
“I passed matric at the top of the class in 2008 at the age of 17 but the following year when I had to register in university it was a struggle for my mother as a single parent to come up with just the registration fee. Also, her being a government employee completely disqualified me from being an NSFAS recipient. Somehow she managed to come up with the registration fee but because of the accumulated tuition debt I could not continue with my studies the following year. I became a dropout, fell pregnant and I knew I had to find a job, abandon my dreams to support my child,” she said.
She completed her Diploma in record time with Cum Laude in 2022 and then enrolled for her Advanced Diploma the following year. She is currently enrolled for her Postgraduate Diploma in the same field and has plans of enrolling for her Master’s degree next year, 2025.
The Molweni born graduate gave a brief insight into her graduation expectations and the hardship of leaving her job.
“My graduation was exceptional because I am a hard worker who always strives for the best. It took a lot of self-convincing and counselling and immense family support to make the decision of leaving my job at the age of 29 and giving myself a second chance at being an academic, although I then had two dependents and a home of my own. The struggle of being a full-time mother, partner and student proved to be a great challenge,” she said.
Zulu extended her appreciation to her family and loved ones for their endless support.
“It took immense support from my family to help me make this decision. The journey was filled with time management issues and financial constraints that directly impacted my household but nonetheless, with the support from my partner, mum, my family and friends, I kept me going,” she said.
She concluded by advising other students not to lose focus as their efforts may be their breakthrough, should they find themselves in need of external financial assistance.
“A hard worker is easy to refer for opportunities. Also, never forget that everything you do is for none other than yourself. Remember why you started and enjoy every part of your study journey, it only comes once. Lose the attitude, not the pride,” she said.
Pictured: Samukelisiwe Zulu
Thubelihle Dumakude
