Mrs Silindile Qwabe, Executive Secretary to the Durban University of Technology Midlands Campus Director, Dr Joe Molete obtained her Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations at the DUT Autumn Graduation held at the Olive Convention Centre on Tuesday, 30 May 2023.
This was her first qualification from DUT after joining the university in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is my fifth qualification. I have a Certificate in Public Relations, a Diploma in Project Management from Pretoria Institute of Commerce, a degree in Public Administration and Honours in Public Administration from UNISA. It was my first time graduating from DUT and the experience. I normally walk the procession to the stage and when I was graduating it was great to see familiar faces cheering for me. Attending classes was a bit challenging as I had to drive all the way to Durban, Fridays and Saturday for block lectures. However, I did enjoy the journey,” said Qwabe.
She indicated that prioritizing the important tasks and leaving her family behind at some point was what helped her to successfully complete the course. Qwabe is grateful for her family’s support throughout her journey, where she also had to juggle being an entrepreneur, a mother of two children, a wife, a student and a full-time staff member.
Her passion for Public Relations dates back to when she was working in the Ministry Local Government and Traditional Affairs, where she worked as a Personal Assistant in the Communications component.
“When I came in Midlands, Dr Joe had a vision, and he threw me into championing the Public Relations and Communications component. He initiated a group of PR students to assist with the Midlands coverage. He requested me to champion and assist the team obviously working hand in hand with Corporate Affairs unit. Here I am and I work well with everyone, there is no Durban and Midlands Communications, we work well together as a team,” said Qwabe.
She referred herself to being a jack of all trades, however she plans to continue studying in her stream which is Business Administration. She plans to enrol for her Master in Business Administration (MBA) under the DUT Business School.
“I believe that Business Administration covers all portfolios so I believe obtaining an MBA will train and equip me to be an innovative thinker, have a broader vision for business and organizations and find innovative solutions to business challenges. DUT is an entrepreneurial institution, and it requires such skills,” concluded Qwabe.
Pictured: Mrs Silindile Qwabe.
Simangele Zuma
