Buyisiwe Mpungose is celebrating a significant family milestone as she graduated with a PhD, becoming the first person in her family to attain a doctoral qualification.
Mpungose graduated with a PhD from the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) during the University’s Spring Graduation Ceremony at the Olive Convention Centre on 16 September 2026.
Her doctoral achievement marks another significant milestone in an academic journey that began at DUT in 2005, when she completed a National Diploma in Town and Regional Planning. She returned to the University in 2017 to complete a Bachelor of Technology in Management, graduating cum laude, before obtaining a Master of Management Sciences in Administration and Information Management in 2021.
Her PhD research, titled Exploring the relationship between disillusionment with transformation and social unrests targeting the commercial property sector’s value chain: A South African case study, examines the relationship between transformation, institutional fairness and social unrest within South Africa’s commercial property sector.
The research is closely connected to Mpungose’s professional experience. With more than 18 years of experience in the property sector, she has held positions including Senior Planner, Assistant Director: Property Disposals, Project Coordinator, Deputy Director: Property Holdings and Disposals, Port Property Manager and Property Portfolio Manager.
Her professional experience gave her first-hand insight into the challenges facing the property sector, particularly around transformation and economic participation. The events surrounding the July 2021 civil unrest further strengthened her interest in understanding how perceptions of slow transformation, economic exclusion and institutional unfairness can contribute to social instability.
This experience ultimately led her to explore these issues through academic research, with a focus on understanding the relationship between disillusionment with transformation and social unrest affecting the commercial property sector.
“I was motivated by a need to find structural, theoretically grounded solutions to real-world socio-economic challenges in South Africa,” said Mpungose.
Her study identifies disillusionment with transformation as an important link between perceived shortcomings in transformation and social unrest. It also proposes a framework informed by John Rawls’ Theory of Justice as Fairness, aimed at supporting more inclusive and sustainable transformation within the commercial property sector.
For Mpungose, the research goes beyond fulfilling the requirements of a doctoral qualification. She hopes her findings can contribute to conversations around transformation, policy and more inclusive participation within the property sector.
The PhD journey has also been deeply personal. Becoming the first person in her family to attain a doctoral qualification represents years of resilience, sacrifice, faith and determination.
“My journey has taught me that academic excellence is not simply about obtaining a qualification. It is about purpose, resilience, courage, integrity, and using knowledge to make a meaningful difference,” she said.
Her journey from her first qualification at DUT to becoming a doctoral graduate reflects her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Returning to university after establishing herself professionally allowed her to draw on her industry experience while developing new academic perspectives on challenges within the sector.
Her story also demonstrates how professional experience and academic research can intersect to address complex challenges facing South Africa. The knowledge gained through her career provided the foundation for questions that she was able to explore more deeply through her doctoral research.
Looking ahead, Mpungose intends to continue drawing on her academic expertise and professional experience in the property sector. She hopes to contribute to policy formulation and strategic property practice while advancing transformation, social justice and inclusive economic participation.
She sees the qualification not as the end of her academic journey, but as a platform from which she can make a greater contribution.
Her achievement is both a personal milestone and a significant moment for her family. As the first person in her family to earn a PhD, she hopes her journey will inspire future generations to pursue education, embrace lifelong learning and believe in what is possible through determination and perseverance.
Pictured: Dr Buyisiwe Mpungose
Photography: Sifundo Thwala
Sinamile Sithole
