Oyama Mkwalo’s academic and professional journey is a powerful reflection of DUT’s commitment to empowering not just its students, but its staff as well. As both a dedicated employee and a passionate student, Mkwalo has proven that the Durban University of Technology (DUT) does not only promote education it actively creates pathways for growth within its own ranks. Her graduation with an Honours in Business Administration stands as a proud milestone in a journey marked by resilience, transformation, and purpose.
The DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony was held at Olive Convention Centre in Durban on Wednesday, 21 May 2025.
Hailing from Mzimkhulu, Mkwalo’s journey is one that exemplifies determination, transformation, and the true embodiment of DUT’s mission to uplift both its students and its employees. As she graduated for her Postgraduate Diploma in Management Sciences in Business Administration, Mkwalo stood as a living testament to the university’s commitment to empowering its own people proving that DUT does not merely teach the value of education, but lives it out by investing in those who serve within its walls.
“To walk this journey as both a student and an employee of DUT there’s something deeply special about growing academically in the same environment where you contribute professionally,” said Mkwalo.
Her academic path at DUT began in 2020 with a passion for the arts. Though she initially did not make it into the Diploma in Drama programme on her first audition, she never gave up. Her resilience paid off when she qualified and went on to complete the Diploma, followed by an Advanced Diploma in Drama in 2023. But her ambition did not stop there. In 2024, Mkwalo decided to pivot and broaden her academic horizon by enrolling in for the Postgraduate Diploma in Management Sciences in Business Administration. Currently she is already progressing toward her Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Her professional journey has unfolded alongside her academic pursuits. Mkwalo is currently serving DUT as an intern in Corporate Affairs and a Residence Advisor at Sterling House, playing an active role in student development and institutional operations.
“Working at DUT while studying here has given me a deep appreciation of how the institution runs and how it truly supports growth on and off the books, it is not just about what happens in the classroom, DUT is also a space of mentorship, leadership, and opportunity,” she explained.
On DUT Living Values that Mkwalo resonates the most with is respect.
“Respect has opened so many doors for me respect for my peers, my mentors, and myself. It is a value I carry in everything I do, and it has shaped the way I engage with both my studies and my work.”
Her academic journey has not been without its challenges. Some modules tested her limits, but Mkwalo met them head-on with determination, late nights, and perseverance. Through it all, her foundation remained firm thanks in part to the spiritual and emotional support of his family and heritage.
“This qualification is dedicated to my parents. It a gift for their unwavering support and for walking this long journey with me. I also thank God and my ancestors, who have guided every step of the way,” said Mkwalo.
Even as she celebrates her latest milestone, Mkwalo’s eyes remain firmly fixed on the future. She plans to continue studying until she reaches her ultimate goal and earn the title Dr.Mkwalo. But his dreams does not end with academia she is equally passionate about merging her creative roots in drama with his new business knowledge to one day establish his own company.
“Drama is my first love, and business is the tool that will help me turn my passion into a legacy. With the MBA and beyond, I want to build something that makes an impact something that creates opportunities for others,” she explained.
For the next generation of DUT students, Mkwali offers wisdom rooted in lived experience: “Never give up. Pursue what sets your soul on fire. Your journey is your own stay true to yourself and you’ll go far.”
Pictured: Oyama Mkwali
Photographer:S’bonelo Dlamini
Sinamile Sithole
