Durban University of Technology (DUT) Student Representative Council (SRC) Secretary General, Samkelo Ngubo is proving that true student leadership begins with academic excellence.

The 24-year-old student leader proudly graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration during the Faculty of Management Sciences graduation ceremony, held at the Indumiso Campus Hall on Tuesday, 12 May 2026. His actions demonstrated his commitment to leading fellow students by example.

Originally from Willowfountain, a rural village on the outskirts of Pietermaritzburg, his academic journey at DUT began in 2019 when he enrolled for a Diploma in Business Administration. Despite facing financial difficulties during his studies, including losing funding in his final year, he remained determined to complete his qualifications.

“As a student, it had to be losing funding while in the final year. Having to study from home, attend classes when I had transport money. That year, however, is when I invested all I had in to completing my base qualification,” said Samkelo.

For Samkelo, graduating during the DUT 2026 Autumn Graduation ceremony marked more than just an academic achievement. It represented growth, resilience, and progress towards even bigger goals.

He strongly associates himself with the DUT value of excellence, believing that student leaders have a responsibility to inspire others through both leadership and academic performance.

“I associate with excellence, this value is essential as it teaches us to always perform our tasks and duties with excellence. More so when you are leading the students as the SRC, you must always excel in your duties,” he said.

Beyond student leadership, Samkelo has a deep passion for administration and governance. Having previously served in student political leadership structures, he says administration has always aligned naturally with his interests and career aspirations.

Currently pursuing a Master’s degree, Samkelo hopes to eventually complete his PhD before venturing into industry and contributing meaningfully to organisational leadership and governance.

He also encouraged students to remain focused on their studies despite the distractions often associated with university life.

“Students must always remember why they came to university no matter what happens, academics should never be compromised,” he concluded.

Pictured: DUT SRC Secretary General Samkelo Ngubo

Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini

Thubelihle Dumakude