From a KZN township to Oxford University: Ntando Dube's inspiring journey to success

UNIVERSITY of Pretoria alumnus Ntando Dube, of KwaZulu-Natal, says she hopes her journey in academia and the working world is an example to young people from townships that success does not depend on where you come from.

- MERCURY REPORTER

Dube was raised in Imbali township in Pietermaritzburg but her academic prowess was recognised at a young age, and she received several scholarships to prestigious schools in the province.

The latest scholarship she has bagged is the KwaZulu-Natal Rhodes Scholarship for 2026, which will see her continue her studies at Oxford University, where she hopes to bring an African lens to global questions of equity and economics.

For Dube, being selected as the KwaZulu-Natal Rhodes Scholar is deeply personal.

“I grew up in a township, Imbali in Pietermaritzburg, but attended several prestigious schools,” she says.

“When you're there, you're probably ‘one of the few who know what day-to-day life looks like for the South African that isn't part of the top 1%.

“For me to be selected is a way to show other kids in my community that where you come from should not be the sole factor that determines where you end up in life. Privilege shouldn't be the reason that people succeed. It should be hard work and dedication to what you want in life”