What started as preparing Sunday meals and baking cakes for family gatherings has grown into a successful business for Durban University of Technology (DUT) student Siyethemba Lusanda Ngema. Today, the aspiring entrepreneur is building more than a bakery and catering business; she is creating opportunities for herself while inspiring other young women to pursue entrepreneurship with confidence.
As the University marks Women’s Month, DUT is celebrating women whose leadership, determination and achievements continue to make a positive impact within the University and beyond. Siyethemba is one of those women.
Originally from the Vukile area in Maphumulo, KwaZulu-Natal, Siyethemba is currently pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Business Information Management at DUT, having previously completed a Diploma in the same qualification, as well as a Higher Certificate in Ecotourism.
Alongside her studies, she is the Founder and Director of Isithenjwa Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a growing bakery and catering business that provides quality products and services for birthdays, weddings, graduations, baby showers, corporate events and other special occasions.
“My passion for cooking and baking began at home,” she said.
“Every Sunday, I prepared meals and baked for my family, and during family gatherings I was always responsible for the catering and baked goods. Guests would compliment the food and cakes and often ask for referrals, only to discover that I was the person behind everything.”
As more people began requesting her services, Siyethemba realised that her passion could become a business. In 2021, she joined the DUT Innobiz pre-incubation programme, a decision she says transformed her entrepreneurial journey.
“Through mentorship, business development training and pitching opportunities, I learned how to run a sustainable business, improve profitability and build confidence as an entrepreneur. That experience inspired me to establish and grow Isithenjwa Holdings into the business it is today.”
Siyethemba is now part of the post-incubation phase of the DUT Innobiz Business Incubation Programme, where she continues to strengthen and expand her business. Through the programme, Isithenjwa Holdings received funding that enabled the company to grow its operations and build a stronger foundation for future success.
Her entrepreneurial journey has also opened international opportunities. She was selected to represent DUT Innobiz at the SUT Global Entrepreneurship Bootcamp in Thailand, where she gained valuable exposure to entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership.
Her commitment to entrepreneurship has also been recognised by the University. In 2025, she received the Inspired Entrepreneurship Award from the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics during the Annual Student Awards in recognition of her entrepreneurial commitment, innovation and contribution to DUT’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Beyond running her business, Siyethemba is equally passionate about supporting others. She serves as a Mentor Advisor within the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT), where she assists first-year students with their academic transition and personal development. She also mentors the Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme (SWEEP) Executive Board, having previously served as its Secretary.
Like many student entrepreneurs, balancing academic commitments with running a growing business has not always been easy.
“During examination periods, both my studies and customer orders demand my full attention. To maintain academic excellence, I sometimes limit the number of orders I accept. Although this can be challenging financially, it has taught me discipline, planning and resilience.”
For Siyethemba, Women’s Month is a celebration of courage, resilience and the achievements of women who continue to make a difference in their communities.
“I believe that when one woman is empowered, she empowers many others.”
She credits much of her inspiration to fellow DUT student, entrepreneur and leader Noluthando Zuma.
“I have had the privilege of learning from Noluthando’s journey. She successfully balances being a businesswoman, student and leader. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, she reminds me that challenges are opportunities for growth and encourages me to keep moving forward.”
Looking ahead, Siyethemba hopes to leave a legacy of empowerment, innovation and servant leadership.
“I want to be remembered as someone who created opportunities, mentored future leaders and inspired students to believe in themselves and pursue entrepreneurship. In my community, I hope Isithenjwa Holdings continues creating employment opportunities, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs through skills development and making a meaningful social impact.”
She envisions Isithenjwa Holdings becoming one of South Africa’s leading bakery and catering brands while expanding into training programmes that equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the practical skills to establish and grow their own businesses.
Sharing a message with young women, Siyethemba said; “Never underestimate your potential. Believe in your dreams, even when they seem impossible, and never allow your circumstances to define your future. Your purpose, determination and resilience can change lives, including your own.”
From baking for family gatherings to representing DUT on an international stage, Siyethemba’s journey reflects what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance and a willingness to embrace opportunity. Her story highlights the contribution young women continue to make through entrepreneurship, leadership and service, while inspiring others to pursue their ambitions with confidence.
Pictured: DUT student entrepreneur Siyethemba Lusanda Ngema.
Photographer: Sandile Lushozi
Tiyani Mboweni
