First Class Bachelor of Physiotherapy Awarded Posthumously

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) graduate, Charlotte Dube who was tragically killed in a violent taxi incident in April this year receives a Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree posthumously from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) today, 26 May 2021.  Staff from the Discipline of Physiotherapy paid an emotional tribute to Dube who is being awarded her degree ‘first class’ – student with grades above 75%.

Dube grew up in rural Nquthu and was raised by her grandmother. Dube’s best friend, Anza Magadani recalled her childhood memories, “She often mentioned to me 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.”

Charlotte’s Mother, Fikile Masondo said she is devastated by the loss of her daughter, “We were so proud of her and were looking forward to celebrating her graduation this month”.

Staff in the Discipline of Physiotherapy described Charlotte as passionate and an inspiration to her fellow classmates.

Magadani described Dube as an entertainer, “There was never a moment where you could be angry or sad around Charlotte. She made sure that everyone was smiling and laughing. 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)”

In honour of Dube, the Discipline of Physiotheraphy 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.