Earlier this week 2oceansVibe reported on a new study of South African university, college and technikon students’ consumer habits. In short: brands, booze, food and scant attention to academics.

One student at Durban University of Technology has bucked that trend this year, scoring himself a stellar 29 distinctions in 30 modules of his B. Tech Internal Auditing qualification, and earning himself a Dean’s Merit award. And, if his story weren’t awesome enough, the fact that he came from practically nothing to achieve such accolades sends Bonginkosi Hilton’s story into the stratosphere.

“I didn’t have a place to stay or money for registration or tuition when I arrived (in 2009),” Hilton said.

“The taxi I took from Ladysmith offloaded some of its passengers at a garage (near the campus). I travelled on my own and knew no-one in Durban. I slept in front of the garage shop.”

Coupled with the snaking queues for the National Students Financial Aid Scheme, the situation became too much for Hilton.

“I was frustrated and I decided to go back home. But I realised that giving up is not an option and returned to Durban after a week.” And he has never looked back.

Asked whether his success was due to hard work or natural ability, Hilton laughed, saying it was not the latter.

“My matric results were average, mostly Bs and Cs.”

He was motivated to study hard by the sight of the financial statement for his student loan.

“When you see that financial statement, and what your studies cost – R15 000 that is not yours – that is a lot of money to waste,” he said.

Asked if he had a life outside the library, Hilton said: “Students should have fun, but must prioritise their studies. You can’t have Christmas every day.”

DUT (like many campuses across South Africa) saw protests from students regarding student fees and availability of places.

[Source: IOL, Mail & Guardian]