Beyond the degree: The story of Babongile Dube

Graduation was supposed to feel like victory, but it didn’t. Standing there at 24, holding a Civil Engineering degree from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), something felt uncertain. The applause faded quickly and one question lingered, what comes next?

A few weeks before graduating, I secured an internship with a local construction firm. What started as site visits and paperwork soon turned into real responsibility. Long days under the sun, managing small projects, learning on the ground, it was tough, but it shaped me.

By my second year in the field, I was supervising junior technicians and assisting in managing multiple construction sites. The pressure was intense, but so was the growth. I learned quickly that the industry rewards resilience more than perfection.

Mentorship and discipline played a huge role in my journey, they taught me to lead with purpose and push beyond limits.

The road hasn’t been smooth. Delays, setbacks and personal losses tested everything I thought I knew about strength. But each challenge became part of the foundation I stand on today.

Now, I’m furthering my studies in construction management, determined to build more than just structures, but a legacy.

Because in the end, success isn’t about having the perfect plan. It’s about showing up, staying consistent, and building anyway.