At just 23 years old, Nqobani Buthelezi is already shaping the future of student life at the Durban University of Technology. Hailing from Vryheid in KwaZulu-Natal, Buthelezi’s journey is one of determination, leadership, and a deep commitment to empowering others.
Growing up in the Hlobane area, Buthelezi attended Gelekedle Secondary School in Cliffdale, where he completed his matric in 2022 with a Bachelor pass. From an early age, he demonstrated qualities of discipline and ambition traits that would later define his leadership style. Now he is doing his Advanced Diploma in Public Administration and Management, he balances his academic responsibilities with a strong passion for student development and governance.
Buthelezi describes himself as a hardworking and visionary leader, driven by the belief that sport has the power to transform lives. For him, sports are more than just physical activities they are tools for building teamwork, discipline, and personal growth. This belief has become the foundation of his mission as the newly elected Sports and Recreation Officer for the 2025/27 SRC term.
His leadership journey did not begin overnight. In 2024, he served as Secretary General of the House Committee at Indumiso Residence 3 Block, where he worked closely with Residence Advisors and student support structures to address student concerns. This role gave him valuable experience in governance and strengthened his ability to advocate for students. In 2025, he expanded his leadership footprint by becoming the Green Campus Initiative representative at 23 Walter Short Residence, where he led sustainability efforts, including the “One Residence, One Garden” project.
Now, as part of the SRC, he has a clear and ambitious vision: to create an inclusive campus environment where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered. He aims to use sports and recreational activities as platforms to unite students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that everyone regardless of their skill level has an opportunity to participate and grow.
Buthelezi strongly believes that leadership is rooted in service and unity. He envisions a DUT where students not only excel academically but also develop personally and socially through meaningful engagement. His commitment extends beyond sports, as he also advocates sustainability initiatives and leadership development programmes that prepare students for the future.
In his own words, leadership is about creating opportunities for others to thrive. With this mindset, Buthelezi has already begun inspiring those around him, proving that true leadership is not about position, but about impact.
As he steps into his role, he expresses heartfelt gratitude to the students who entrusted him with this responsibility. He remains dedicated to serving with excellence and working collaboratively to build a stronger DUT community.
Pictured: The SRC Sports and Recreation Officer, Nqobani Buthelezi.
Tiyani Mboweni
