Amanda Ntombela: The Discipline of Dreams
For Amanda Ntombela, her first day at Berea College was the start of a rollercoaster ride she was ready to embrace. But for this Top Achiever, who graduated with an incredible 15 distinctions in her Diploma in Public Relations specialising in Journalism, college was about more than academics; it was a journey of profound personal growth.
At the centre of her success was a non-negotiable combination, discipline, a positive mindset, and a drive to push beyond any limit. What motivated her? The unwavering knowledge that education was the foundation of her future. She was determined to make her grandmother and mother proud by achieving greatness despite any hardships.
Amanda’s method was built on consistency, not cramming. She was a familiar face in lectures, mastered her subjects through past papers, and thrived in group discussions. Never afraid to ask for help, she would always approach her lecturers if a task was unclear.
Her advice to future students is earned through experience: “Stay disciplined, believe in yourself, and never give up. Success doesn’t come overnight; it’s a result of sacrifice and dedication. Surround yourself with positive people, make use of college resources, and dream hard. Your background does not define you.”
Sbusisiwe (Ngema): A Legacy of Sacrifice and Support
Top Achiever Sbusisiwe, who earned 7 distinctions in her National Certificate in Supply Chain Management, holds her success out as a testament to her mother’s love. Her mother would quietly take over all house chores to give her the precious gift of time to study, with her entire family motivating her through prayer and unwavering support.
Her commitment was absolute, often sleeping less than three hours a night to dedicate herself to her books. Even her downtime was a tool for success; when not studying, she would mentally prepare herself to build confidence.
Now, she is continuing her journey, studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain Management at Berea College of Technology. Passionate about the flow of goods, she is truly intrigued by logistics and dreams of fulfilling her long-time goal of working for a major company, whether on sea or land.
Her encouragement to others is heartfelt: “Prioritise your education, find a study method that works for you, and set clear goals. Hold onto your vision and infuse your journey with positivity, be it through prayer or motivation.”
Thamsanqa Zondi: Engineering a Distinguished Future
Top Achiever Thamsanqa Zondi approached his Diploma in Chemical Engineering with one thing in mind, his future. His serious and focused mindset paid off in an extraordinary way, earning him the status of top achiever with an incredible 7 distinctions.
His formula; work hard, prioritise studies, and never lose sight of the bigger picture. Thamsanqa understood that every assignment and every exam was a critical step toward building the career he envisioned. His remarkable achievement is a powerful statement of what is possible with dedication and clear priorities.
“Success comes from focus, consistent effort, and never losing sight of the bigger picture. When you stay committed to your goals, every small step forward becomes part of a greater achievement.”
Congratulations to all our graduates! Berea College is incredibly proud of your hard work, and we look forward to inviting you to campus soon as successful alumni.