Manqoba Lwazi Nzama, a lecturer at the Durban University of Technology under the Grow Our Own Timber programme, is celebrating a major academic milestone after completing his Doctor of Philosophy in Business and Information Management.
He will receive his PhD at the DUT Autumn Graduation Ceremony taking place at the Olive Convention Centre.
Nzama, from Queensburgh, said the achievement represents more than an academic qualification, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter shaped by years of perseverance, discipline and growth.
He was raised in a family of teachers who instilled in him a strong respect for education, perseverance and service. He said this upbringing played a key role in shaping his academic aspirations and his commitment to using knowledge for personal, institutional and societal development.
Nzama brings more than five years of industry experience across both the public and private sectors, with a strong foundation in supply chain management. During this time, he gained practical exposure to operational processes, logistics coordination, procurement and organisational systems. He said these experiences continue to inform his teaching and research by bridging theory with real world application.
He currently lectures on Accounting and Financial Principles 1 and 2 as well as Accounting and Statistics 4, where he focuses on developing students’ analytical thinking, professional competence and applied business skills.
Academically, Nzama holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Economics and Supply Chain Management and a Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Supply Chain Management from the University of KwaZulu Natal. He also completed a Master’s degree in Management Sciences specialising in Administration and Information Management at DUT, followed by his Doctor of Philosophy in Business and Information Management at the same institution.
His research interests include supply chain management, technology development, economics and education, with a particular focus on the role of information systems and technological innovation in organisational performance and learning environments. He has two peer reviewed publications and five articles currently under review. He also contributes to the academic community as a reviewer for journals and conference submissions.
Nzama actively participates in academic discourse through conferences, including the first Biennial Interdisciplinary Conference of Business and Information Management hosted by the Department of Information and Corporate Management at DUT in 2024. He said the event focused on interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing.
He described his academic journey as one of steady growth and transformation, grounded in his rural roots and driven by a passion for teaching, research and contributing meaningfully to higher education.
His postgraduate journey began with a Master’s degree in Management Sciences, which provided a strong foundation in information systems, organisational management and research methodology. He said this stage strengthened his analytical thinking and prepared him for doctoral studies.
Nzama then pursued a PhD in Business and Information Management at DUT. He said his doctoral journey was marked by rigorous academic training, interdisciplinary exposure and meaningful mentorship. He was supervised by Professor SP Moyane and Professor OO Olugbara, whose guidance played a key role in shaping his research development.
He said the mentorship he received from Professor Olugbara strengthened his methodological skills and scholarly confidence, particularly in advanced quantitative methods including Structural Equation Modelling, an area in which he now specialises.
Alongside his postgraduate studies, Nzama began his teaching journey at DUT under the mentorship of Dr PP Mthalane, initially lecturing Research Methodology 4 and Information Management and Technology 3. He said this period was important in developing his teaching skills and academic confidence.
He later progressed to independently lecturing ACFP101, ACFP201 and ACCS401. He said this transition reflects DUT’s commitment to academic development through the Grow Our Own Timber programme, under which he has been appointed as a lecturer from June 2024 to May 2027.
Nzama said his journey represents a full academic progression from postgraduate student to doctoral graduate and developing academic, shaped by mentorship, growth and institutional support.
He described graduating with a PhD as a deeply humbling milestone that represents years of sacrifice, discipline and intellectual development. He said it is also a personal achievement rooted in his upbringing, where opportunities were limited but aspirations remained strong.
He said completing his doctorate challenged him to think critically, engage with complex problems and contribute original knowledge to his field. The process, he said, required resilience, consistency and the ability to navigate uncertainty.
Nzama said the achievement also carries a sense of responsibility. He hopes to contribute more meaningfully to academia, industry and society by mentoring emerging scholars, advancing research and supporting innovation and development.
He said this milestone reflects the support of his family, mentors, colleagues and DUT. He added that it reinforces his commitment to lifelong learning and service through teaching and research, stating that earning a PhD marks the beginning of a new chapter focused on impact, collaboration and contribution.
His doctoral research focuses on the innovation impact of adopting Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolution technologies in modernising the automotive manufacturing industry.
He explained that the automotive manufacturing sector is undergoing rapid transformation through technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and cyber physical systems. However, he noted that adoption in emerging economies such as South Africa remains uneven due to structural challenges.
He said his research highlights the need for organisations to balance cost considerations with investment in skills development and managerial capacity, while policymakers should strengthen infrastructure and promote education industry partnerships to support digital transformation.
Nzama said his academic journey was not without challenges. Balancing academic work with professional and personal responsibilities required strong time management and discipline. He said the demands of research, publishing and deadlines often required personal sacrifice.
He also spoke about moments of self doubt during his doctoral journey, particularly when facing setbacks and revisions. However, he said these challenges strengthened his critical thinking and resilience.
He credited his supervisors, colleagues and family for their support throughout his journey, stating that each challenge contributed to his growth as a scholar.
Nzama remains open to further academic development, saying that learning is a lifelong journey. He said he would embrace opportunities that allow him to expand his knowledge and contribute more meaningfully to academia and society.
His long term goal is to make a lasting impact in academia through research, teaching and knowledge creation. He said his doctoral work has already contributed to new theoretical development in his field, which he intends to strengthen through further research and publications.
He aspires to establish himself as a recognised scholar contributing original ideas in business, information management, technology development and supply chain systems.
His advice to first year students who wish to pursue an academic career is to remain focused, disciplined and patient. He said academia requires consistency, curiosity and a strong work ethic, adding that success is built gradually through commitment and self development.
He concluded by saying that with dedication, integrity and patience, it is possible to build a meaningful and impactful academic career.
Pictured: Manqoba Lwazi Nzama
Waheeda Peters
