A top achiever, Mduduzi Shongwe has been awarded Cum Laude for his Master of Applied Sciences in Biotechnology. He is set to graduate at the upcoming Durban University of Technology 2024 Spring Graduation ceremony, to be held at the Durban Exhibition Centre on Thursday, 19 September 2024.
Being fascinated by science, especially in understanding how biological processes can be harnessed to solve real-world problems motivated him to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic challenges that incredibly affected his academic journey.
“Studying during the COVID-19 pandemic was incredibly difficult. We didn’t have enough time, and when conducting research, we often had to rely on international suppliers due to the specificity of the materials required. When global supply chains were disrupted, we really suffered. Load-shedding was also a major problem, especially since some of our experiments needed to run for extended periods without interruption. These challenges added extra stress on top of the normal demands of the course, making it a particularly challenging time,” he explained.
Having completed both his National Diploma and Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology at DUT, Shongwe is grateful for numerous experiences and opportunities that shaped his academic and personal growth.
“I had the opportunity to fly to Cape Town as part of the DUT debating union, which broadened my perspective and honed my communication skills. I also received the second-place award in my category during the 2018 KZN SASM symposium, which was a rewarding experience. Additionally, I was fortunate enough to travel to Spain and Poland during my master’s programme, further enriching my journey. I will soon be graduating with a Master of Applied Sciences in Biotechnology, and DUT has truly been an integral part of my life,” he narrated.
At the early stages of his career, Shongwe plans to focus on industry roles to gain practical experience and insights. As he progresses, he aims to transition into product development and research roles where he can drive innovation and contribute to advancements in biotechnology. Ultimately, in the next senior years, he aspires to become a lecturer, sharing knowledge and experiences with the next generation of students.
The 27-year-old is currently working as a Brewing Operator (Wort Cooler) at AB InBev (Siphiwo Services) in Prospection, KwaZulu-Natal. His role involves cooling brews using SCADA, yeast propagation, and handling problem-solving and safety monitoring.
Pictured: Mduduzi Shongwe who will be graduating at the 2024 Spring Graduation
Thubelihle Dumakude
