UKZN's youngest graduate is an alchemy of success
'My passion for human settlements drove me to pursue a degree in Housing,' Madondo said confidently.
Originally from Pietermaritzburg, Madondo completed her high school education at Alexandra High School. Her academic interests span the built environment, housing policy, project management, urban and rural development, and community development.
Also read: UKZN's autumn grad season gets underway with over 8000 graduands
Demonstrating versatility beyond academics, Madondo competed in the 2024 Miss Teen Universe South Africa. She proudly placed in the top 80 out of 200 participants from across all provinces, a testament to her resilience, confidence, and strong work ethic.
During her studies, Madondo successfully balanced theoretical learning with practical experience. She highlighted her understanding of how housing developments influence policy and community development, noting field trips as a particularly enriching aspect of her academic journey.
'A highlight of my experience was understanding how policy shapes housing developments — and the field trips were unforgettable,' she reflected.
Madondo's story is a powerful example of what is possible when one embraces every challenge and opportunity. 'I am incredibly grateful for the love and support I have received,' she said. 'Completing my degree feels surreal — a dream come true, especially as a graduate at just 19 years old.'
With her sights set on a bright future, Madondo is pursuing an Honours degree in Housing Development and aims to secure a role in the housing sector — further affirming her commitment to meaningful change in this vital field.
For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Durban North Primary School welcomes first female principal of colour
Dr Baruth is the first female principal of colour to take up the reins at DNPS, and her appointment marks a significant moment in the school's 65-year-old journey, reflecting its commitment to progress, inclusivity and excellence. With years of experience, a deep love for learning, and a vision rooted in inclusivity and innovation, Dr Baruth is ready to inspire and uplift every learner, educator and parent. Having dedicated 29 years to education, and having taught at DNPS for the past 23years, Dr Baruth says: 'Its an honour to be part of this school that is dedicated to excellence in education and ensures that every learner grows to their full potential. I am appreciative of the support that I have received from the parents, learners, staff and school governing body. I look forward to building on our school's strengths, and working collaboratively to shape a future where every learner thrives.' After Dr Baruth completed her Bachelor Degree in Education, she furthered her studies by completing her Honours in Educational Management and Leadership (UNISA) (Cum Laude), and her Master's Degree in Education (UKZN). Being inspired by her mum to keep on reaching for her goals, she completed her Doctorate in Education (PhD) in 2012 with much perseverance, endurance and burning the 'midnight oil'. Dr Baruth's vision for DNPS is to lead the school into a new era of digital transformation and community engagement. In keeping with Women's Month, DNPS congratulates Dr Baruth on overcoming many challenges and reaching this appointment. DNPS, which is nestled in the heart of Durban North, prides itself on being more than just a school as it offers a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child is celebrated, in a learner centered environment. 22 Sunfield Place, Durban North | Tel: 031 564 5510 Email: [email protected] |
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Missing pilot: Sea rescue institute appeals to public to report found plane debris
There are no new developments in the ongoing search for missing aerobatic pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray off Durban's central coastline. Berea Mail reports that Blackwood-Murray's plane crashed during an aerial display near Suncoast beach on Thursday. He is from Johannesburg. The spokesperson for the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Craig Lambinon, said: 'We are appealing to the public and the maritime community to report any findings of debris – that may be related to the light aircraft accident, along the Durban shoreline and at sea – to police at 10111, to NSRI EOC [Emergency Operations Centre] at 087 094 9774 or on marine VHF radio to Durban Radio (Telkom Maritime Radio Services) or Durban Port Control, so that any findings can be recovered to support the Accident and Incident Investigation Division and the police investigation into the catastrophic incident.' He continued: 'Advanced technology and advanced search technology continues to be deployed in the search. Weather and sea conditions have not been a factor and have not hampered ongoing search efforts.' The search is being led by police divers supported by aviation and aeronautical authorities. Other services involved include NSRI Durban and NSRI Umhlanga, SAPS, the Police Air Wing, police communications, the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, Transnet National Ports Authority, Port of Durban Port Control, Telkom Maritime Radio Services, the South African Navy, eThekwini Municipal authorities, eThekwini Metro Police and Metro Police Search and Rescue, eThekwini lifeguards, and is assisted by EC Government Health EMS, Government Health Forensic Pathology Services, Netcare 911 ambulance services and Red Line Response ambulance services. Watch the video of the crash: Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
The Citizen
10-08-2025
- The Citizen
Expo guides matriculants towards better choices
DESPITE a low turnout at the Umbilo Glenwood Education Expo, matriculants who attended the event at Penzance Primary School on Saturday left feeling informed and equipped to take the next step into higher education. The attendees were treated to one-on-one talks from Londeka Mbatha of UKZN, Sindi Zuma from the Central Applications Office (CAO) and Nokulunga Sibiya from eThekwini Skills Development. They were given options on courses that are still open for applications and had the NSFAS and CAO application process explained to them. Mbatha explained the points system to the youngsters and what courses are offered by UKZN at its five campuses. As some of the attendees had already matriculated and were upgrading their marks, Mbatha highlighted how to make the best choices. She said, 'The points that you see in the requirements are a baseline that you must aim to surpass. When we are doing acceptance, the selection process starts with the highest marks first and gradually goes down.' Also Read: Umbilo Glenwood Education Expo to equip learners Mbatha made an example that if the course requires 30 points, and the applicant has 34 while there are others with 38, that is where the selection process will begin. 'When applying put the points out of your mind because that is the minimum required,' she said. 'Yes you might qualify by meeting all the requirements, but you have to be mindful that others might have higher marks than you. It's simple, you need to aim for higher marks than required.' Zuma took the applicants through the application process to make sure that they tick the right boxes. 'Applicants often make the mistake of not reading the notes that are stated in the requirements for each course,' said Zuma. 'For some institutions, they want you to make your course selection either first or second choice, if you do not read those notes you will not know this and might not even be considered for that course because you failed to follow the guidelines stipulated.' She said another mistake is to select one institution when applying. 'KZN has plenty of higher education institutions and campuses; do not limit yourself to just one,' she advised, before educating the attendees on the rollover process. The programme organiser, Ben Madokwe, said that he was pleased that those who attended left feeling informed. 'The expo did the job that it was intended to do because we often hear complaints from the youth because they don't know which road to take when applying,' said Madokwe. He said there are plans to host the expo again early next year. For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
