The Durban University of Technology student, Andiswa Nosiphiwo Mdunge (23) from Imbali Unit 13 in Pietermaritzburg graduated Cum Laude for her Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Management on Monday, 15 May 2023 at Indumiso Campus Hall in Pietermaritzburg.
Mdunge’s academic achievement serves as an inspiration to many young people. She believes that with hard work, dedication and support, one can achieve their dreams and make a positive impact in their field of study.
Her journey at DUT began in 2019 when she enrolled for her Diploma in Business & Information Management that she completed in 2021. One can attest that Mdunge is a jack of all trades, she grabs every opportunity that comes her way as she was a Student Residence Assistant (SRA) which included being expected to work full-time in the residence, attending student reports, attending classes and being a tutor in the Management Science Department. However, she overcame everything by creating a schedule that accommodated her responsibilities. Moreover, having colleagues and lecturers support made her journey easier whenever she felt overwhelmed by the workload.
This hard-working woman is incredibly proud of this milestone on her road to becoming the best in her field of study. Mdunge excels in her school work because last year she also graduated Cum Laude in Business and Information Management and obtained the Deans Merit Award, despite initially wanting to purse the field of science as a chemical engineer.
Mdunge gave an insight of how she felt when she learnt that she is graduating Cum Laude with a Deans Merit Award once again.
“At first, I cannot say I was surprised because I worked very hard towards achieving good grades, I made sure that I am not settling for anything less than 80%. Thanks to the Almighty and my supportive family, friends, colleagues and special thanks to my lecturers for the academic support in ensuring that I have all the help that I needed,” she said.
Mdunge believes that there is no better feeling in the world than making your parents proud. Her parents were super proud and excited about her achievement, her mom couldn’t hold her tears of joy. This was the proudest moment for the Mdunge family.
She invested a lot in this qualification. “ I have a huge interest in furthering my studies until I wear the red gown. Currently I am enrolled in my Postgraduate Diploma in Management Sciences: Business Administration,” she said.
The career driven Cum Laude graduate is currently serving at DUT Student Housing and Residence Life Unit as a Youth Employment Services Programme (YES) intern but her wish is to find a permanent position in her field of study.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to my parents, siblings, relatives, friends, colleagues on the student housing team, and the best lecturers one could ask for, Dr Ncube, Mr Matlala, and Dr Mthalane. To all my lecturers, thank you for your dedication and support in helping me accomplish wonderful results. May God continue to bless you all.”
Pictured: Andiswa Nosiphiwo Mdunge
Nomvelo Zulu
