Head of Department in Applied Law, Dr Thandiwe Khumalo saw her academic colleagues take great pride in giving her a standing ovation whilst she was being conferred with her Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences Specialising in Business Law. She proudly received her PhD at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony which took place at the Olive Convention Centre on Thursday, 22 May 2025.
Dr Khumalo, who confessed that her doctoral degree was proudly done in honour of her late mom, was beaming from ear to ear upon the conferment of her degree.
“I’m feeling so excited to be part of the graduation. Usually I am the one calling names on the stage but today I am ecstatic that I actually received and actually working hard for it. I want to thank everyone for their support that they have given to me over the years.. Today I am very happy, I am Dr Khumalo,” she excitedly said.
The inspirational academic doctor eagerly shared that she hopes to be a positive influence to her students.
“Many of them grew up in front of me, asking me questions on how to do their PhD degree, so I now say to them to please make sure you obtain your PhD, so now since I have it, I can lead them to it,” she chuckled.
Speaking about her academic research, Dr Khumalo’s thesis is on public perceptions regarding the management and corporate governance of state-owned companies (SOCs) in South Africa
Her study examined public perceptions of corporate governance in state-owned companies (SOCs) in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal. She indicated through her research that despite contributing 17% to South Africa’s GDP in 2023, state-owned companies faced persistent governance failures, financial mismanagement, and poor service delivery. Her findings revealed widespread dissatisfaction, with concerns over inefficiency, lack of transparency, and weak accountability, leading to declining public trust.
Her recommendations highlighted the need for transparent decision- making, improved operational efficiency, and stricter financial controls. By drawing on corporate governance theories, her study provided insights into addressing governance weaknesses and restoring confidence in state-owned companies. Ultimately, her research underscored the urgent need for reforms to enhance governance practices, improve service delivery, and rebuild public trust in these vital institutions.
In terms of juggling her academic life and family life, Dr Khumalo confidently expressed that with support from her family and wonderful staff at DUT, who actually do their work without her following them make her life much easier.
For Dr Khumalo, her thirst for knowledge is not yet over and she had given herself another three years to obtain her professorship at DUT.
Pictured: Head of Department in Applied Law, Dr Thandiwe Khumalo.
Waheeda Peters
