Presenting Samkelo Ngubo, Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) newly elected Secretary-General for the 2025/27 Student Representative Council (SRC). At 24 years old, Ngubo steps into one of the university’s most demanding leadership roles with a steady hand, shaped by years of personal growth, academic challenges, and a deep commitment to student governance.
He is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, building on years of academic experience marked by both highs and low, experiences that strengthened his determination, sharpened his discipline, and defined his leadership character. Ngubo completed his schooling in Pietermaritzburg before joining DUT, where his passion for student governance and advocacy began to unfold.
Ngubo describes himself as disciplined, reflective, and driven by purpose. These qualities have guided him throughout his journey and continue to influence how he approaches responsibility and service. He often frames his leadership through three guiding principles: vision, dedication, and commitment, the core values he believes every student leader should uphold.
Although he grew up in Willowfountain, a rural outskirt of Pietermaritzburg, Ngubo’s perspective is shaped by the realities of both rural and urban life.
His upbringing taught him humility, determination, and empathy, qualities that continue to guide how he engages with diverse student issues across DUT campuses.
His leadership experience extends beyond the SRC. He served as Branch Secretary of the EFF Students Command and later as KZN Provincial Spokesperson for the EFF Youth Command. These roles strengthened his communication skills, broadened his governance insight, and prepared him for the administrative and strategic responsibilities of his new portfolio.
As Secretary General, Ngubo carries one of the most crucial positions in student governance, the engine of the SRC and the student body, responsible for driving organisational efficiency, coordinating structures, and keeping all governance processes functioning smoothly. His mission is clear; to strengthen the administrative backbone of the SRC, improve governance systems, and ensure effective communication between students and university structures.
He aims to raise the standard of student governance by promoting professionalism, accountability, and excellence.
“We are here to make impact; we want to raise the bar. To professionalise the SRC so it operates like all other statutory bodies of the university, with a clear understanding of the responsibility that comes with governance,” he says.
Ngubo hopes to build an SRC culture that future leaders can inherit and uphold with pride, one grounded in structure, reliability, and student-centered service delivery.
To the student community, he extends heartfelt appreciation, “Thank you to every DUT student who entrusted me with this responsibility. I am committed to serving with integrity, dedication, and respect. Together, we will strengthen our SRC and create an environment where every student feels represented and supported.”
Congratulations, Samkelo Ngubo. Your commitment, discipline, and leadership promise a stronger, more accountable, and more impactful SRC for all DUT students.
Pictured: DUT SRC Secretary-General, Samkelo Ngubo.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Tiyani Mboweni
