Research at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) plays a key role in ENVISION2030, particularly in fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and excellence, as well as developing graduates who can address global challenges. One of the objectives of ENVISION2030 is on making environmental sustainability core to all university activities.
Dr Samuel Bangura tackled his thesis on an evaluation of green human resource management practices as an approach to environmental/organisational sustainability: a case study of a private tertiary institution, in Durban South Africa.
Dr Bangura, who was conferred with his Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences specialising in Human Resource Management. He received his PhD from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony held at the Olive Convention Centre on Friday, 23 May 2025.
His dissertation looked at the need for environmental protection which has become one of the world’s major problems, and today’s companies recognise this need.
“In this regard, measures are now put in place by companies to ensure that their footprint on the environment is non-destructive and can influence sustainability. Some of these measures are but not limited to Green Human Resource Management (GHRM), especially green recruitment and selection,” he said.
Dr Bangura’s findings postulate that green recruitment and selection practices not only attract environmentally conscious candidates but also enhance overall organisational awareness and commitment to sustainability.
“The positive relationship between environmental consciousness and green recruitment and selection, including sustainable leadership suggests that fostering an environmentally aware culture within the organisation is crucial. The value of the findings implies that organisations employing Green Human Resource Management practices such as green recruitment and selection can improve their environmental and organisational sustainability,” he commented.
Dr Nomfundiselo Constance Ngxito also excitedly received her Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences specialising in Human Resource Management.
Her research focused on the role of Performance Management Systems on the technical efficiency of academics in Public Higher Education Institutions in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Although performance management is an integral part of the managerial control system that focuses on employees’ work activities and work results, research on performance management suggests that the implementation of performance management system as a mechanism through which the performance of academics is measured, has been described as inconsistent with the tradition of academic freedom, scholarship, and collegiality,” she explained.
Her research addressed the gap in research by investigating the role of performance management on the technical efficiency of academics in public higher education institutions. In essence, DUT is committed to producing knowledge that is not only relevant, but also responsible.
Sharing his congratulatory message to all the graduates was the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences at DUT, Professor Fulufhelo Netswera who celebrated the high quality work and success of the graduates, saying that without their hard work no one would be here today.
He explained that the country is going through a myriad of challenges which includes global warming and high unemployment rates, currently the highest in the world standing around 65%.
He urged graduates to stay focused, to make an impact and to become adaptive graduates, equipped to engage usefully with a world marked with expeditious change.
Pictured: Dr Nomfundiselo Constance Ngxito and Dr Samuel Bangura.
Waheeda Peters
