Former Fever cleaner graduates at DUT

Wendy Mqadi, who was employed as a cleaner at the South Coast Fever, recently graduated with a Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture at the Durban University of Technology (DUT).

Mqadi who joined Fever in 2016 and left in 2019, told the publication that although it has been a long journey she is relieved that she finally obtained her qualification.

The 26-year-old from eNkothaneni just outside of Margate said her goal was to study jewellery design in 2016 but she could not due to a lack of money.

“I had to work at the South Coast Fever because there was no money at home for me to study. I wanted to apply in 2016 but my grandmother who was going to pay for my Central Applications Office (CAO) form passed away before I could get the money from her so as a result, I could not apply. So I decided that I was going to work for a few years and save money to study towards a career of my dreams,” said Mqadi.

The former Mcushwa High pupil said her love for jewellery design started while she was still unemployed, saying that she used to watch a TV show called iSpani on SABC 1.

“Seeing how they explained their work and how they did it, that’s when I decided that this is what I want to do. For now, I want to carry on manufacturing jewellery, I want to come up with new designs for rings and bracelets. I know it will be hard to start my own company but I will eventually start one, one day,” she said.

According to DUT, the university’s instructional programme trains students in designing, manufacturing, and marketing of jewellery, the basic principles for a successful career in the jewellery business.

“On completion of the instructional programme, graduates will have no difficulties in coping with the variety of manufacturing and designing functions, especially if they have obtained the Bachelor of Technology after four years’ training, or at least 6 months of practical working experience after having obtained the Diploma,” said the institution.

Meanwhile, Mqadi who currently works as an educator’s assistant said she is trying to apply for an advance diploma.

“And should I get employment, I want that company to hire me because of the way I design my pieces,” said Mqadi.

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