Growing up in the rural village of KwaNzimakwe on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Sifanele Jula faced limited access to opportunities. Yet, driven by determination and a vision to uplift his life and those around him, he pursued higher education as a pathway to transformation. When the Durban University of Technology (DUT) offered him the opportunity to enrol for a Diploma in Shipping and Logistics, he embraced it fully, with a strong commitment to academic excellence.
Jula (26) graduated Cum Laude at the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony, which was held at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban on Monday, 19 May 2025.
His resilience and dedication to his studies inspired the guests at the graduation ceremony. He was applauded for succeeding against all odds. He did not allow his disability to deter him from achieving his dreams of creating a better life for himself.
Sharing his excitement on passing his qualification with flying colours, Jula said: “Graduating Cum Laude was an incredible honour. It represented more than just academic excellence, it was a symbol of perseverance, resilience and the belief that dreams are valid regardless of where you come from. For me, it was a personal victory and a tribute to everyone who believed in me when things got difficult. It also served as a motivation to other students living with disabilities to break boundaries and push beyond limits.”
Some of the challenges he had faced as a student was adapting to university life, coming from a rural background. Financial pressure, limited resources and navigating life as a student with a disability meant he had to work twice as hard to keep up. However, for Jula these challenges helped build his character and resilience.
“My time at DUT was filled with both personal and academic growth. Being in a new environment far from home came with its challenges, but I was determined to make the most of every opportunity. Through DUT, I gained not only theoretical knowledge but also practical insight, while also getting involved in leadership and innovation projects that shaped my outlook on life and business,” added Jula.
He identified with the DUT value of integrity which he believes kept him grounded throughout his academic journey. Jula shared that being innovative as enshrined in the university’s ENVISION2030 strategy was the driver of all his actions from his entrepreneurial projects to his problem solving mindset. He aspires for his success to also uplift others, especially the marginalised communities.
According to Jula, he always had an interest in logistics and how global systems work, especially in how goods move from one place to another. He extended his gratitude to his sister for playing a big role in helping him explore and commit to this path, offering guidance and encouragement.
His long-term goal is to run a multinational corporation that leverages modern technology and timeless business principles to create lasting value. Jula wants to lead an organisation that is innovative, socially responsible, and inclusive.
He is currently employed as a switchboard operator at Netcare Margate Hospital where he manages communication and patient related inquiries. He is also pursuing an additional qualification in supply chain management to expand his skill set and to open more doors in the logistics and business sector.
In addition to his studies and work, Jula is actively involved in social entrepreneurship. He is the Managing Director of RollTech Adaptations, a student-led initiative focused on creating affordable wheelchair modifications for people with disabilities. He is also the treasurer of the Ubuntu Aid Foundation, where he helps drive community outreach and youth empowerment programmes. Jula believes in using every platform available to create positive, lasting impact.
Pictured: Sifanele Jula.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.
Simangele Zuma
