Graduating on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, at the Ruth First Hall, South Campus of Tshwane University of Technology, Malwande Ndzimande achieved a significant milestone by completing his Honours degree in Journalism. For him, this accomplishment is about more than just earning a qualification; it represents a sense of purpose. “I did not want to merely report the news; I wanted to understand why stories work,” he said.
Malwande’s journey began in 2021 when he first enrolled at Tshwane University of Technology. After finishing his diploma in record time in 2023, he was selected by the Journalism department to serve as a student assistant, a role that came with added responsibilities while he continued his studies. He went on to complete his Advanced Diploma in 2024 and his Honours degree in 2025.
He reflected on the challenges of balancing coursework, deadlines, and a demanding research project. “Juggling everything was tough. Research forced me to slow down, think critically, and accept that first drafts are never perfect,” he shared.
Malwande overcame these challenges by treating his studies like a newsroom, setting weekly goals, working closely with his supervisor, and relying on peer feedback to stay on track. Now that he has graduated, he feels he has sharpened his skills and deepened his understanding of Journalism. “I am more critical of how stories are framed and stronger in backing up my work with research,” he noted.
The graduation moment was not only special for him but also for those around him. His close friend, Bongani Magagula, who attended the ceremony, described it as a proud and emotional occasion. “I had the opportunity to attend Malwande’s honours graduation ceremony, and it was a truly special moment to witness. It was a proud and joyful occasion, reminding us all of the hard work and dedication that went into reaching this milestone. I’m excited to see what lies ahead for Malwande,” he said.
Looking to the future, Malwande plans to build his portfolio through freelance work, focusing on data-driven and community stories across Gauteng. His long-term goal is to work in a newsroom, producing investigative and public-interest reporting while pursuing a Master’s degree next year.
He is passionate about telling stories that reflect everyday realities. “I want to focus on issues like housing, youth unemployment, and service delivery in places like Soweto and Soshanguve. These stories affect people daily but often do not receive the attention they deserve,” he shared. As he pursues his goals, his mission is to tell stories that matter and make them impossible to ignore.
