The Durban University of Technology (DUT) continues to shape adaptive graduates who are not only job seekers but creators of opportunities. Among them is Ntandoyenkosi Sikobi, an Advanced Diploma in Information and Communications Technology alumna, selected for a place in the Top 16 of Nyama Battle Season 2, a nationally broadcast competition sponsored by Boxer and eTV.
Sikobi, who hails from KwaZulu-Natal, has taken her technical skills and entrepreneurial vision beyond the classroom and into community-driven business. She is the founder of Taste KwaStofela, a wood-fired pizza venture that she established with her sister, Gcina Sikobi, building a business based on family, warmth and authentic connection.
What began in 2021 to support her family has evolved into a growing brand known for its immersive food experiences. Through pop-ups, live cooking showcases and team-building activations, Taste KwaStofela uses food as a powerful tool for connection, empowerment and job creation. At its core, the brand reflects Sikobi’s commitment to sustainable, purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Reaching the Top 16 of Nyama Battle is both humbling and affirming for Sikobi. She hopes to be among the Top 12 contestants who will compete on national television.
“Being selected validates the resilience, discipline and vision behind my journey. It is an honour to represent young entrepreneurs and students on a national platform,” she said.
Nyama Battle has tested more than her culinary skills. The competition demands creativity, execution under pressure, personal branding and consistency. These are qualities Sikobi has refined through her ICT training and entrepreneurial experience at DUT.
“My studies sharpened my problem-solving and analytical skills. This competition is a real-world application of strategy, discipline and execution,” she explained.
Sikobi hopes to use the exposure and resources to scale Taste KwaStofela nationally, generate employment opportunities and inspire young people, especially women and students, to trust the power of their ideas.
Beyond the competition, she remains passionate about student empowerment. She believes that while academic knowledge is vital, students must also cultivate adaptability, self-leadership and entrepreneurial thinking during their studies.
The business will soon launch a mobile pizza trailer, allowing them to host pop-up events and live cooking experiences across various locations.
“In today’s economy, theory alone is not enough. Empowerment gives students the confidence to create opportunities rather than wait for them,” she added.
Looking ahead, Sikobi’s goals are clear. She aims to integrate technology into her business operations, mentor aspiring entrepreneurs and build ventures that generate lasting social and economic impact.
“I strongly associate myself with the DUT Living Values and principles of commitment, compassion and excellence. Commitment drives me to remain focused, disciplined and consistent in pursuing my goals, even in the face of challenges. Compassion guides how I engage with others, ensuring that I lead with empathy, understanding and respect for diverse experiences. Excellence motivates me to give my best in everything I do, uphold high standards and continuously seek improvement,” she shared.
Providing insight into Sikobi’s dedication is Fanie Ndlovu, technician at DUT’s Department of Accounting and Informatics. Ndlovu has mentored her for nearly two years and describes Sikobi as highly focused, receptive to guidance and results-driven.
“She is incredibly focused, always open to advice and most importantly, she executes. When I came across the Nyama Battle competition, I shared the opportunity with her and she did not hesitate. She prepared an impressive and engaging video and entered the competition immediately. This is the power of dedication: listening, taking action and executing with excellence. She is definitely going far,” he said.
Sikobi strongly believes in continuous learning and furthering her studies, having completed an additional course in 2025 in Cybersecurity, CyberOps Associate.
Her advice to future students hoping to enter similar competitions is simple but powerful: “Start before you feel ready. Be authentic, disciplined and consistent. Courage matters more than perfection.”
To vote for Ntandoyenkosi Sikobi, visit www.nyamabattle.co.za
Pictured: Ntandoyenkosi Sikobi with her sister and business partner, Gcina Sikobi.
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya/Waheeda Peters
