Khulasande Tshayile proudly graduated at the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony, held on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC) in Durban. He is completing his Postgraduate Diploma in Management Sciences, specialising in Business Administration, in record time.
Born and raised in Umnceba Village in Ntabankulu, Eastern Cape, a 32-year-old hails from a rural area steeped in rich cultural heritage. This region, known for its vibrant traditions and warm community spirit, has undoubtedly shaped his perspective, values, and identity, influencing his worldview and creative expression.
Reflecting on his journey at DUT, it began in 2015 when he enrolled in a foundation programme in the arts at the City Campus. In 2016, he pursued a National Diploma in Photography at the ML Sultan Campus, which he completed in 2018. Thereafter, he advanced his studies by completing a bachelor’s degree in photography, completed in 2019. Most recently, he completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Sciences, specialising in Business Administration. He further explained that his academic journey has been instrumental in shaping both his creative and business management skills.
When revealing the DUT living values and principles that resonates with him, Tshayile said, professionalism and commitment. These principles are evident in the work he produces for the university. He consistently strives for excellence and upholds a high standard of professionalism in every task, ensuring that the visual content he creates reflects both quality and integrity.
According to Tshayile, pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration was a deliberate decision. As a creative entrepreneur, he recognised the importance of acquiring a deeper understanding of the business side of the creative industry. This qualification has equipped him with strategic tools that complement his photography practice, especially through initiatives like the DUT Centre for Social Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CSERI), which inspired him to blend his artistic and business pursuits.
Currently, he’s applying for a master’s programme in Photography, with research focusing on Impilo Yasemakhaya as a case study, exploring cultural preservation and community empowerment through visual storytelling. He also plans to host more exhibitions to showcase his work on broader platforms.
In 2025, Tshayile successfully hosted an inspiring exhibition called Impilo Yasemakhaya in two provinces, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape. The exhibition was showcased at Shumayela Secondary School in Umlazi Township and Mnceba Technical School in Ntabankulu, bringing the glorious work to these schools and their communities.
“My family has always been a pillar of support. While they were incredibly proud of my decision to further my studies, they also expressed concern about how I would manage the demands of work and academics simultaneously. Their encouragement played a huge role in helping me through this journey,” he explained.
His long-term goal is to develop Impilo Yasemakhaya into a sustainable platform that not only promotes cultural heritage through photography but also partners with institutions like DUT to uplift communities. He envisions Impilo Yasemakhaya becoming a hub for creative education, mentorship, and community outreach.
Currently, he is employed at DUT in Corporate Affairs, serving as a Multimedia Administrator. In this role, he provides photography and content creation services primarily for the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation and Engagement (RIE), as well as various university units, merging his creativity with institutional storytelling.
In advising first-year students, Tshayile said, “To any aspiring photographer, my advice is to remain patient and resilient. The creative industry is highly competitive and sometimes unforgiving. However, it’s crucial to explore different creative platforms, expand your skill set, and continuously learn. Growth in this field requires persistence, openness to new experiences, and a strong work ethic.”
He expressed his feelings by saying he had been waiting for this moment to walk on stage with pride, not just for himself, but to celebrate her achievements. He also thanked his family for their encouragement, adding that seeing his colleague’s happiness meant a lot to him.
Pictured: Khulasande Tshayile on his DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony.
Photographer:
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
