The Lone Graduate: A Journey of Perseverance and Triumph

Graduating is a significant milestone in anyone’s life, but when you are the only one in your class to do so, it becomes an experience marked by both pride and reflection.

This is the story of Thulile Simangele Magwaza was the sole recipient of a Postgraduate Diploma in Chemical Engineering at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT)’s Spring Graduations taking place from 16 – 18 September at the Desmond Tutu Great Hall.

While being the sole graduate can bring a mix of emotions, for the 27-year-old from Durban, that moment was a particularly special milestone, and a notable achievement that left her name into the records of VUT.

Reflecting on her journey, Thulile shared that it was anything but easy. Balancing her full-time role as a process controller in water treatment while pursuing her postgraduate studies was a challenge. She had applied for the postgraduate diploma in 2022 and began her studies in 2023. Despite her demanding work schedule, Thulile prioritized her education, seeing it as a perfect complement to her current profession.

“What encouraged me the most was being already in the industry while studying. It opened more opportunities to advance my career, like climbing higher ranks within the company I work for,” Thulile explained. “It really helps to stay current with the latest trends in water treatment, especially when it comes to ensuring the effective and safe cleaning of water.”

Thulile also expressed her admiration for VUT, specifically observing how accommodating the lecturers were to students juggling work and studies. “Even when work was intense, they gave us the flexibility and support we needed to complete our assignments and meet our deadlines without feeling overwhelmed.”

She closed by stating her heartfelt gratitude to her friends, colleagues, and family for their unwavering support. “Being away from home while studying was tough, but their understanding and encouragement gave her the strength to push forward.”

Looking to the future, Thulile revealed her ambitions to continue her academic journey. She has her visions set on pursuing a master’s degree at the university she has long dreamed of attending. Though her matric marks once kept her from enrolling, her success at VUT has now opened doors to fulfilling that lifelong ambition.