Phumlani Shinga, a 42-year-old dedicated public servant from Effingham Heights in Durban, beamed with joy as he graduated with a Dean’s Merit Award for academic excellence for his Postgraduate Diploma in Management Sciences in Business Administration at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Spring Graduation Ceremony held on Friday, 19 September 2025, at Olive Convention Centre.
Shinga’s relationship with DUT began two decades ago when he enrolled for the National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry, which he completed in 2005. His student life was marked by vibrant experiences at Hertine Court Residence and lively forum activities on campus. However, his academic journey did not end there. Years later, driven by a desire to expand his skills beyond the sciences, he returned to DUT to pursue an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration in 2023 and graduated Cum laude with a Dean’s Merit Award. He followed this with a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration in 2024, once again achieving Cum Laude and earning another Dean’s Merit Award.
“Graduating this Spring feels like the culmination of years of dedication, growth, and perseverance, it represents not only an academic milestone, but also resilience, discipline, and the support system I have had along the way. Every late night of studying, every debate, and every sacrifice was worth it,” said Shinga.
Currently, Shinga works as a Regional Technical Service Advisor Export at Defy Appliances, where he provides technical support for international markets, oversees product quality, trains service agents, and ensures customer satisfaction across regions. While the role is demanding, it allows him to combine his technical expertise with leadership and cross-cultural communication skills.
Reflecting on his journey, Shinga acknowledged that one of his biggest challenges was transitioning from a science-based background into the business field. “I had to adapt quickly, manage my time effectively, and stay disciplined. What helped me was focusing on my long-term goals, drawing on the guidance of lecturers and mentors, and surrounding myself with supportive peers,” he explained.
Shinga’s values are deeply aligned with DUT’s ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, and for him, the value of Integrity stands above the rest. “Integrity is the foundation of both personal and professional life. It means staying true to my principles and being consistent in my actions. In my role today, working across multiple regions, integrity builds trust and credibility,” Shinga explained.
Looking ahead, Shinga is determined to continue advancing academically and professionally. His next goal is to pursue an MBA, which he believes will prepare him for senior leadership roles and equip him with a global business outlook. “My long-term aim is to grow into executive roles where I can drive business growth and innovation while mentoring others along the way,” he said.
For first-year students following in his footsteps, Shinga offered this advice: “Embrace both the challenges and opportunities of learning. Stay disciplined, manage your time wisely, and make the most of every opportunity DUT provides both inside and outside the classroom. Believe in your journey and stay true to your values, because success comes with consistency, integrity, and passion.”
As he celebrated his latest graduation milestone, Shinga expressed his gratitude to DUT. “My journey from science to business is a testimony to DUT’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded graduates. This story is not only about academic achievements but also about resilience, adaptability, and growth. I hope it inspires current and future students to push beyond their comfort zones because with hard work and integrity, anything is possible,” he explained.
Pictured: Phumlani Shinga with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Professor Vusi Gumede.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.
Sinamile Sithole
