A Student Administration Clerk under the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Midlands Student Administration unit, Ms Amanda Makalima (26) graduated for her Masters in Management Sciences: Business Administration at the DUT 2024 Autumn Graduation ceremony held at the Indumiso campus on Tuesday, 14 May 2024.
Her research delved into the vital role of digital marketing in supporting the survival of Pietermaritzburg’s Small, Micro, Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) sized beauty businesses.
“The goal of my research was to create a thorough set of guidelines designed particularly for such SMMEs. The purpose of this guideline was to provide entrepreneurs with practical marketing techniques when they were starting new businesses. Although my original focus was on the beauty industry, but the ultimate objective is to apply these insights to a wider range of SMMEs”, she explained.
Makalima has other two qualifications obtained at DUT. These includes a National Diploma in Business Administration (Cum Laude) obtained in 2019 and a Degree of Bachelor of Technology in Management which was conferred to her in 2020.
When describing her academic journey, Makalima mentioned that it was difficult to juggle between her job and school work, however, perseverance was the key to her successfully completing the Masters qualification.
“I am part of a dynamic team at the Student Administration Midlands, led by the capable Ms Nelisiwe Ndlovu. The department operates round the clock, managing the demanding cycles of registration, examinations, student records, and graduation. This leaves little room for rest. It was difficult to adjust during the first year but with time I managed,” she said.
Additionally, Makalima shared her words of gratitude to the few people who have been her pillars of strength along this journey.
“I want to thank my spouse, Nkanyiso Nene, and our families (Mlangeni and Dladla) for their unfailing support and their confidence in me, my research friend S. Gumede whom we overcame obstacles and achieved academic success together, best friend Zandile Mavundla deserves special recognition for her unwavering friendship, line manager Ms Nelisiwe Ndlovu including all colleagues in the Student Administration unit. I would like to thank the Applied Management staff. Finally, but most importantly, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Zogli, my supervisor, for his constant support and advice during my academic career. I sincerely appreciate all of your encouragement and support,” said Makalima.
Moreover, Makalima expressed that she is thrilled to be awarded her third qualification as it holds immense significance. Being able to the Master’s qualification does not only symbolise personal fulfilment but also serves as an inspiration to future generations within her family.
Her future plan is to obtain a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). She concluded by saying that “Imfundo ayikhulelwa” a Zulu adage, that states “one is never too old to learn”.
Pictured: DUT Student Administration Clerk, Ms Amanda Makalima.
Zanele Mashaba
