DURBAN – A month after Charlotte Dube died tragically in a taxi incident, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) awarded her a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree posthumously.
The university said staff from the discipline of physiotherapy paid an emotional tribute to Dube who was awarded her degree ‘first class’ during the 2021 UKZN Autumn virtual Graduation ceremony on Tuesday.
UKZN said Dube’s grades were above 75% earning her a first class pass.
Dube’s mother, Fikile Masondo said she was devastated by the loss of her daughter.
“We were so proud of her and were looking forward to celebrating her graduation this month,” she said.
Staff in Dube’s discipline described her as passionate and an inspiration to her fellow classmates.
Dube grew up in rural Nquthu and was raised by her grandmother.
Her best friend, Anza Magadani, said Dube often mentioned that her grandmother inspired her passion for education.
“She used to tell me that her grandmother would literally drag her to school when she didn’t want to go, especially when it was raining or if it was too cold.
“She pushed her to be her very best,” she said.
Magadani described Dube as an entertainer who made sure that everyone was smiling and laughing.
“There was never a moment where you could be angry or sad around Charlotte.
“Her motto in life was to invest in yourself, invest in your mind, life owes you nothing.
“In the meantime, never stop having fun (ungazincishi inice life),” she said.
In honour of Dube, the discipline of physiotherapy has established a ‘Charlotte Dube award’ for the student that best exemplifies the physiotherapy profession.
This year’s recipient of the award is Thabang Ratopola.
THE MERCURY