Ntandoyenkosi Sikobi (24), completed her Advanced Diploma in Information and Communications Technology at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). She hails from Port Shepstone, in a small township called Gamalakhe, and graduated for the second time at DUT’s 2025 Autumn Graduation, held at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC) on Saturday, 24 May 2025. In 2021, during the COVID-19 period, her business was closed due to a shortage of materials and a broken standard oven, as well as the impact of Covid-19.
Following the challenges of 2021, Sikobi shifted her focus to her studies. She also participated in the competition called Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education(EDHE) programme, where she had showcased her entrepreneurial skills and earned a nomination to the regional level.
She also shared that the question that load shedding on the rise affecting businesses which was asked by the panel that changed her perspective: She explained that this question inspired the idea of the woodfired pizza model, and she reopened her business in 2023, which is called Taste Kwastofela.
Taste Kwastofela serves wood-fired pizzas in Gamalakhe and offers delivery services along the coast. The business is expanding through continuous development and growth, reaching larger audiences through its newly introduced team-building services, which include sustainable dining options.
“I was very excited to join innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in 2023, after the competition that enabled me to acquire a woodfired oven. Innobiz is the main sponsors of my business, their support means the world to me,” she said.
Sikobi stated that they had been operating ever since and were currently expanding. They had successfully reached wider audiences through an interview on Gagasi FM, as well as an appearance on The Next Billionaire TV show, where they were interviewed and were featured on television. She added that despite facing numerous challenges, the business continued to grow.
Winston Churchill’s quote, “Never give up on something that you can’t go a day without thinking about,” holds a special place for her. She shared that this inspiring phrase always drives her motivation to never give up, even in the face of failure.
Throughout her journey, she had encountered numerous obstacles, including being unfunded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). She was forced to live with relatives and cover her own transportation costs to and from Pinetown. On weekends, she would travel back to Port Shepstone to check on her business, which her sister was managing in her absence. Mid-year, she relocated to Johannesburg, that had a huge negative impact on her business. However, her family offered valuable encouragement, urging her to prioritise her studies and not let her business compromise her academic progress and performance.
“I associate myself with the DUT living values and principles of which is commitment, compassion, and excellence. I’m driven by my goals, which I work tirelessly towards and see through to completion. A notable example is completing my Advanced Diploma, a challenging accomplishment that required balancing my business responsibilities,” Sikobi added.
Reflecting on her journey at DUT, Sikobi acknowledged the significant role her lectures played in her growth and development. She also expressed gratitude to Innobiz DUT for helping her turn her dreams into reality. However, she noted that the journey was not without its challenges.
“To students wishing to pursue business ventures, I advise getting involved in programs offered by the institution. DUT provides numerous opportunities to develop your ideas, and innobiz DUT is a department that supports entrepreneurs with the skills they need. Mastering the balance between schoolwork and business is crucial,” she advised.
She concluded by sharing that she is currently exploring potential partnerships with several companies across South Africa, to which she has submitted applications.
Pictured: Ntandoyenkosi Sikobi
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
