Olwethu Ndlovu (22) born and raised in the vibrant city of Pietermaritzburg graduated Cum Laude and with a Dean’s Merit for her Diploma in Accounting at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation which was held at the Olive Convention Center on Friday, 24 May 2024.

Ndlovu shared that her journey at DUT was very challenging as she served as a class representative while having financial constraints. Despite the challenges she encountered, she is pleased to have successfully completed her qualification in record time with Cum laude and the Dean’s Merit Award, recognizing her hard work and commitment.

“I am proud of my accomplishments and the recognition I have received for my efforts. Receiving cum laude and the Dean’s Merit Award serves as affirmation that the long hours of studying, the challenges overcome, and the commitment to excellence were all worthwhile. I am excited about the future and the prospects that lie ahead, knowing that my academic achievements have positioned me well for success in my chosen field,” said Ndlovu.

She is grateful for the support she received from her family, friends, lecturers, and mentors, who consistently encouraged her to persevere and keep studying, assuring her that things would improve with each attempt.

“My family was ecstatic upon hearing the news, as they’ve always been my support system. Whenever I faced setbacks after tests or exams, I’d call them, sometimes in tears, expressing my frustration,” she said.

The young academic aspires to follow the CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) pathway in her career. She also intends to utilize her skills and expertise to establish her own consulting firm, specializing in providing management accounting services to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Ndlovu is currently enrolled for an Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting and advising students planning to embark on the same journey, she stressed that giving up is not the answer.

“My journey serves as a reminder that sometimes our paths unfold in ways we never anticipated, and it’s okay to embrace those changes and pursue new opportunities with an open mind and heart. Sometimes, the best decisions are the ones we least expect. Sometimes, life takes us on unexpected paths, and it’s remarkable how those detours can lead to fulfilling and enriching experiences,” concluded Ndlovu.

Pictured: Olwethu Ndlovu.

Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.

Patience Makhaye