Khethiwe Lukhele, 23, University of Zululand Batchelor of Science (Biochemistry and Microbiology) graduand, has always performed well in her studies.
In matric, she obtained seven distinctions, is currently enrolled for her degree in Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and today (9 May 2017), was named as a Top Achiever in her Faculty’s (Faculty of Science and Agriculture) graduation ceremony which was held this afternoon. The graduation ceremony forms part of the UNIZULU Graduation Ceremonies 2017 which are currently being held at the University’s King Bhekuzulu Hall, KwaDlangezwa Campus, KwaDlangezwa, until Friday, 12 May 2017.

While a staff strike that dragged on for almost two months late last year (2016) threatened to derail Lukhele’s studies, she refused to let this happen, working hard to catch up on the time she had lost when the academic programme resumed. “My studies during the second semester were very hard last year (2016) because of the strike, and the fact that we wrote exams very late. I felt very stressed out during that time. After the strike, we formed study groups to catch up on lost time. I also studied hard by myself. Given these circumstances, I really wasn’t expecting to be one of the top achievers in my faculty. I’m pleasantly surprised but I thank God who made it all possible,” she said.

Lukhele advised other students to always “put their eye on the prize”, saying that no matter what challenges they face, they must face the present and future head-on and trust that things will work out for the best.

“I was actually supposed to study medicine in 2013 in Cuba. I lost out on that opportunity because my application was received after the deadline and I had to spend that entire year at home,” said Lukhele, who wants to specialise in gynaecology and paediatrics after obtaining her Medical degree.