Two Student Representative Council (SRC) members at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Otto Pupuma and Slindile Ximba proudly received their first qualifications at the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremonies, which were held over two days at the Indumiso campus in Pietermaritzburg on Monday, 12 May 2025 and Tuesday, 13 May 2025.
Pupuma who is the SRC Social Welfare Officer in the Midlands obtained her Diploma in Public Administration specialising in Supply Chain Management on Monday, 12 May 2025. Meanwhile Slindile “Thingolwenkosazane” Ximba was awarded her Diploma in Business and Information Management on Tuesday, 13 May 2025.
The 22-year-old Pupuma, who is originally from Nqamakwe in the Eastern Cape, was excited to walk the graduation stage to be awarded her first qualification. She is currently pursuing her Advanced Diploma in Public Administration specialising in Supply Chain Management, at DUT.
As the SRC Social Welfare Officer at DUT, her duties include promoting student safety, welfare, inclusivity, mental health support and community engagement. She was the initiator of the PadHerEmpower initiative that is hosted annually. This initiative advocates, supports and promotes the well-being of the female students at DUT .
Sharing her thoughts on her graduation, she said was filled with a deep sense of pride, gratitude, and excitement. “Graduating represented the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and perseverance, especially balancing academic responsibilities with my role as an SRC Social and Welfare Officer. It was a moment to celebrate not just my personal achievement but also, the support from family, friends and mentors who had encouraged me along the way,” shared Pupuma.
The SRC Academic Officer in Midlands, Ximba (22) has set a good example for the students by successfully completing her studies within her term of office. She does not only focus on encouraging students to prioritise their studies and strive for excellence but also promotes “purity” amongst young women. She is a Zulu maiden, who is a member of the Izimbali Ze-DUT Virgins Club Society.
She attended her graduation ceremony dressed in her Zulu maiden traditional attire, which she said was her way of honouring her beauty and virginity. She joined the group during her first-year of her studies in 2022 to help her to stay focused on her studies and to not forget her family’s teachings.
“Siyafunda siyaphasa (we study, we pass). Siyafunda siyahlola (we study, we go for virginity testing). My graduation showed that I practise what I preach, which is striving for academic excellence. As an SRC Academic Officer, I work at the intersection of student issues, faculty engagement, and institutional accountability, bridging the divide between what students need and what the university provides. Every initiative I undertake is rooted in creating a collaborative, student-centred academic environment where excellence isn’t a privilege, but a right,” shared Ximba in excitement.
She is currently pursuing her Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Management. She described her journey at DUT as transformative, a path carved through resilience, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to serving students.
Sharing his congratulatory message, Mr Andile Masuku, a Student Development Officer under the DUT Student Governance and Development said: “As the Student Governance and Development unit, we take immense pride in the outstanding academic achievements of our Student Representative Council members, many of whom are now graduating. Their dedication to excellence exemplifies our unit’s vision: to cultivate adaptive student leaders who are not only equipped to meet challenges but also committed to uplifting their peers.”
Masuku indicated that the SRC members have proven that was possible to balance the responsibilities of leadership while pursuing and surpassing their academic and personal goals.
“We are confident that they will continue to grow in wisdom and carry forward the valuable lessons and skills we have helped nurture. The world awaits their talents and leadership. May they soar to new heights and make a meaningful impact wherever they go,” added Masuku.
Pictured: DUT SRC Academic Officer, Slindile Ximba and SRC Social Welfare Officer, Otto Pupuma excited after graduating.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.
Simangele Zuma
