Mbali Buthelezi’s Journey to Becoming UNIZULU’s Top FSAE Graduate
Mbali Buthelezi, an outstanding University of Zululand (UNIZULU) graduate, reaped the fruits of her hard labour today (Friday, 9 May) when she obtained her Diploma in Hospitality Management with an exceptional aggregate of 82.73%.
In addition, 21-year-old Buthelezi was named the overall top achiever in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture, and Engineering (FSAE), a recognition she admits she never saw coming. “I expected good marks, but being the best in my faculty? That was a surprise,” she said.
Her noteworthy achievement earned her a special prize from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Xoliswa Mtose.
From childhood, the Newcastle-born young lady stood out as a diligent learner, earning awards and setting the foundation for her future success. Her academic journey began at Dannhauser Primary School, followed by Saint Oswald’s Secondary School, before completing her high school years at Ezakheni Combined School.
Her love for cooking, baking, and helping people led her to pursue a Diploma in Hospitality Management.
“I’ve always been drawn to the hospitality industry because I love making people feel welcome and at home. For me, it is rewarding to see people smile because of my doing. Hospitality allows me to combine my skills, which is cooking and baking with my passion for service,” said Buthelezi.
In the same way that her journey came with highs, the opposite was also true. From struggling to adapt in her first year to facing flak from classmates who didn’t understand her quiet determination, Buthelezi had every reason to lose focus. Yet, she chose to rise above the noise, using negativity as fuel to push herself even harder.
“No matter how good or bad I do, people will always have something negative to say,” she said. Instead of letting criticism break her, she created study routines and stayed committed even when it meant sleepless nights.
Despite the challenges Buthelezi faced, there were still fond moments. ”One of my fondest memories is meeting a lovely person whom I call a friend. She has always been there [for me] throughout all the challenges we faced. My WIL experience at Southern Sun Sandton [is also a fond memory], she said.
Buthelezi credits her success to her mother, whom she calls her “heroine.” Her lecturers and a steadfast varsity friend also provided crucial academic and emotional support.
With her diploma in hand, Buthelezi is already setting new goals which involve furthering her studies next year, working in the international hospitality industry and eventually opening her own bakery and catering business.
Buthelezi’s success isn’t just a personal victory, it’s a testament to the University of Zululand’s commitment to Discover excellence through teaching, learning, research and innovation. UNIZULU strives to produce graduates who are produce globally competitive graduates relevant to the development needs of the country.
– Nomvelo Xulu
Picture: Xolani Ncube