Escaping the township chronicles of crime, drugs and other activities to set a good example for his siblings as the eldest was what pushed Thulasizwe Bright Nkomo to live by the principle of excellence. He graduated for his Postgraduate Diploma in Management Sciences specialising in Public Relations and Communication Management at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2024 Autumn Graduation ceremony, held at the Olive Convention Centre on Monday, 27 May 2024.

His academic journey at DUT began in 2015 when he enrolled for a National Diploma in Journalism which he completed in 2017 and graduated in 2018. He further proceeded to study for a Degree of Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Journalism in 2019, which he completed in the same year and graduated Cum Laude in 2020. His dedication and eagerness to indulge in new knowledge then led him to switch to the other side of the communication sector.

“I decided to switch from Journalism to Public Relations and then I registered for the Postgraduate Diploma in Management Sciences specialising in Public Relations and Communication Management. My passion has always been writing and telling stories for the purpose of impacting change in society hence I chose a career in journalism. However, after acquiring significant industry experience as a staff reporter in print or a newspaper, I discovered the challenges of jostling with public relations or communications personnel, particularly from the government to get a story or a comment as a hindrance in the work of journalists which sparked my curiosity into the government communication policies and influenced my decision to study further and enrol in Public Relations and eventually gave birth to the topic for my research project,” he narrated.

The Umlazi born is currently working at DUT as Media Officer at the Faculty of Management Sciences’ (FMS) Media and Communications office. His duties includes overseeing relevant administrative tasks within the ambit of the position.

Nkomo shared words of appreciation to his family and colleagues, saying without them , he would not have been able to balance school, work and personal life.

“I was fortunate to have great a support system in my family, the lecturers, and the staff within the PR Department at DUT, especially Ms Nisha Ramlutchman who was also supervising me with my research project, and having an understanding line manager in Zandile Mahlobo who was forever patient whenever I had to attend to my academic commitments,” he said.

Pictured: Thulasizwe Nkomo at the Autum Graduation Ceremony

Photographer : Mnqobi Ngobese.

Thubelihle Dumakude