An aspiring fashionista, Siyabonga Phoswa will be obtaining his Diploma in Fashion and Textiles at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2024 Spring Graduation ceremony, which will be held at the Durban Exhibition Centre on Thursday, 19 September 2024.
Phoswa (24) who was born and raised in both Woodlands and KwaMashu is set to shine at the Spring Graduation where he will celebrate the realisation of his academic dreams.
He faced a setback when he lost his funding, forcing him to take a year off from university. To continue his studies, he worked at various companies to raise money. Although his passion for fashion was temporarily stalled, he was not discouraged. After raising enough funds, he returned to university and completed his diploma. He is currently working as a graphic designer at Kingsgate Clothing Group, pursuing his dream in the fashion industry.
“Juggling both working and studying was challenging, I needed to work on managing time, balancing school and work responsibilities. Work was demanding, and I also had to make time to study when I got home, which was overwhelming at times and made me question my decision to continue my diploma. Thoughts of stopping slowly creeped in, and I found myself feeling demotivated,” added Phoswa.
He identifies with the DUT values and principles of honesty, respect, and commitment. He particularly appreciates the value of honesty, not only in his interactions with others but also in his relationship with himself. This appreciation stems from his upbringing by a strong woman who instilled in him the importance of respect. He also values the principle of commitment, citing his determination to complete his diploma as a testament to this principle.
Phoswa shared that his family was thrilled to receive the news of his graduation, and they are undoubtably beaming with pride. He expressed his desire to use this achievement as a platform to draw more attention to the fashion industry, hoping to shed light on its significance and potential.
“I would advise fashion students to remain humble and respectful throughout their journey, never forgetting that their success is ultimately their own responsibility. As I always remind myself, nobody wants success for you more than yourself. Stay true to your values, believe in your abilities, and keep pushing forward even when faced with obstacles,” he concluded.
Pictured: Siyabonga Phoswa who will be obtaining his Diploma in Fashion and Textiles at DUT 2024 Spring Graduation.
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
