KENZELY MANDA BELIEVES THAT PUTTING HIS MENTAL HEALTH BEFORE EVERYTHING HELPED HIM GRADUATE CUM LAUD

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) student, Kenzely Manda, (24) from Avoca Hills graduated Cum Laude and obtained the Dean’s Merit Award in Civil Engineering Degree specialising in structures, on Monday, 11 July 2022 at the DUT Celebratory Autumn Graduation at the Inkosi Albert Durban International Convention Centre (ICC).

It was a tough journey for Manda as the journey was full of ups and downs but thankfully he had full support from his family members and friends.

“My family has been my support structure from day one, so they were over the moon and proud when I told them about my achievement. I would like to thank Jesus as I consistently prayed through hard times and everything fell into place. Thanks to my mom for suffering so much throughout my entire academic journey. I would also like to thank my dad for praying and putting so much effort from a very young age, helping me with school projects and so on. My dad made me the man that I am today,” said Manda.

Manda is very happy to graduate Cum Laude and obtain the Dean’s Merit Award but a lot of sacrifices were made, this wasn’t magical as he worked very hard for this achievement. He believes that putting his mental health before everything and giving his best in his school work made a huge contribution to his academic achievement.

Civil engineering was not his first choice of study, he believes that this course chose him, God knew his plan that’s why he ended up doing Civil engineering.

At times people were slightly negative towards his choice of study and did not believe in him and that made him push even harder that’s why he is proud of himself today.

Manda wishes to climb up the corporate ladder and obtain his professional license one day.

“For all the first-year students who would like to enrol in the Civil Engineering field, I would like to say do not put too much pressure on yourself, take one step at a time. Do your own research, always be willing to help others. I believe that learning and sharing your views help you advance your understanding as well,” he said.

Pictured: Kenzely Manda

Nomvelo Zulu