Amahle Mbeje (21) graduated Cum Laude with a Dean’s Merit Award for her Diploma in Business and Information Management (BIM) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn Graduation which took place at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC) on Wednesday, 22 May, 2024.

Her journey at DUT began in 2021 when she registered for a diploma and graduating Cum Laude with a Dean’s Merit Award served as proof that indeed she can achieve honorary awards and that big things are yet to come.

“I would like to also thank my father and my family who supported me, I never slept hungry even once, they provided everything I needed. I thank God that I did not feel substandard and did not lose focus on my studies,” shared Mbeje.

The aspiring academic faced many challenges, one being financial hardships and did not have a laptop to work on. She had to borrow the laptop from her roommate.

However, through determination, dedication and hard work, she persevered and achieved her diploma with academic excellence.

“I did not have money to buy material to study, thanks to my first year roommate (Nobuhle) who borrowed me her laptop for the whole second semester, attending and writing assessments with it. If it wasn’t for her maybe I would have failed some of the modules,” added Mbeje.

Mbeje directed her gratitude to her grandmother who played a motherly role to her since birth and is grateful to her father for giving her the best life experience even when he was unemployed.

“My family as whole played an important role. I am the person I am today because they taught me to respect life, focus, dedicate and humble myself and work hard in all I do to be successful,” she said.

She is currently enrolled for her Advanced Diploma in BIM and plans to continue studying until she obtains a Doctorate. Mbeje aspires to be an executive and have her own business in the near future.

Pictured: Amahle Mbeje.

Patience Makhaye