Bahle Mntambo from KwaMashu K-section in Durban, graduated with his Master of Applied Science in Chemistry with Cum Laude from the Durban University of Technology (DUT). He proudly walked across the stage at the Olive Convention Centre on Monday, 19 May 2025, a moment that marked the culmination of years of perseverance.
Mntambo’s academic journey at DUT began in 2014 when he enrolled for his National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry. His path was far from smooth as he had dropped out twice, first because of financial challenges, as his family could not afford to support his education, and later due to a personal choice he later referred to as a youthful mistake. Despite these obstacles, Mntambo returned to DUT with renewed focus and determination. He successfully completed his undergraduate studies, went on to pursue a BTech degree, and ultimately achieved his master’s degree, a long-held goal he never lost sight of, even in the face of hardship.
Beyond academia, Mntambo also ventured into entrepreneurship. In 2020, he founded a startup called Pulchre, a health-focused business offering smoothies, detox drinks, fruit juices, and coffee. The business was inspired by his personal commitment to living a balanced and healthy lifestyle and his recognition of a growing market for health-conscious products. Using the latest anti-oxidation technology, Pulchre aimed to deliver fresh and long-lasting beverages. Although finding a permanent space to operate the business remained a challenge, Mntambo remained dedicated to growing Pulchre, which operated mainly on social media via Instagram under the handle @BBeauty_Smoothie.
Throughout his journey, Mntambo embodied many of DUT’s values and principles excellence, compassion, respect, and commitment. He believed that working in the field of chemistry demanded not only technical precision and innovative thinking but also a strong sense of empathy and resilience, especially in a research environment where trial and error is an integral part of the process. His academic path taught him the importance of being meticulous and remaining committed to quality, especially in a discipline that plays such a vital role in improving lives.
Mntambo’s graduation brought immense joy to his family, who reacted with celebration and amazement. Their support, especially in the later stages of his journey, meant a great deal to him. He felt both grateful and elated to be graduating with distinctions, knowing how far he had come since his early struggles. For Mntambo, chemistry had always felt like the right fit. It was the common denominator in all his career considerations, and he pursued it with passion because it came naturally to him. He never struggled to understand it and found fulfilment in its complexities.
Mntambo had been freelancing at DUT, tutoring students in Analytical and Industrial Chemistry and assisting with research projects. He was also supervising a postgraduate diploma student working on organic synthesis of bioactive small molecules.
While he had not yet secured a permanent position, he remained hopeful and enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead.
Looking to the future, Mntambo expressed a desire to further his studies and delve deeper into research, particularly in computer-aided drug development and organic chemistry. He also hoped to lecture and continue expanding his business. His ultimate goal was to contribute to both academia and industry by innovating in the fields of health and science.
To those considering a similar path, Mntambo advised: “I would say firstly that you need to have a clear and definitive goal in pursuing chemistry, because it’s an academic qualification and this discipline is highly competitive. Chemistry requires constant studying and improving one’s knowledge always because of scientific research that is ongoing every year.”
He emphasised that chemistry is not merely a means to secure employment but a calling for those who are deeply curious and committed to making scientific contributions.
Pictured: Bahle Mntambo
Sinamile Sithole
