For Lindokuhle Senamile Ntuli, being conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences Specialising in Business Administration at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Spring Graduation Ceremony on 17 September 2026, at the Olive Convention Centre, represented a moment of excitement and fulfilment.
Currently a lecturer in the Department of Operations and Quality at DUT, her latest academic achievement is a full circle moment, as she first set foot at the institution a decade ago.
However, Ntuli’s academic prowess has always been evident from the onset, as she quickly established herself as one of the best students in her programme.
“My academic journey at DUT began in 2016, when I enrolled for a Diploma in Business Administration (Management Sciences). I completed my Diploma with Cum Laude and was recognised as one of the students who performed exceptionally well academically,” said Ntuli.
These achievements did not go unnoticed, as the institution provided her with a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel abroad, an absolute dream for a young lady from uMhlabuyalingana, eManguzi in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Due to my academic performance, I was awarded an exchange scholarship by the Department of Entrepreneurial Studies and Management. This gave me the opportunity to participate in an exchange programme in Madrid, Spain, in 2018, while I was pursuing my Bachelor of Technology (BTech). It was a valuable experience that broadened my perspective and exposed me to different academic and cultural environments,” added Ntuli.
That experience then propelled her to achieve more and deepen her footprint in academia, whilst also providing opportunities for cultural enrichment. Currently, she holds a Diploma in Management Sciences in Business Administration, Bachelor of Technology in Business Administration (BTech), Masters in Business Administration.
All the experiences gained at the institution that currently employs her, culminated in the decision to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy qualification, and engage in the research she undertook in the process. Her PhD research titled, “Rural Women Entrepreneurship Performance in KwaZulu-Natal,” examined the entrepreneurial performance of rural women in the uMhlabuyalingana, eJozini and Big Five Hlabisa municipalities, and investigated the socio-cultural, socio-economic and motivational factors that influence the performance of rural women-owned businesses.
“I was inspired to pursue this research because of my interest in entrepreneurship, rural development and the economic empowerment of women. Coming from uMhlabuyalingana, eManguzi, I have a personal connection to rural communities and an appreciation of both the challenges and opportunities that exist within them. I have seen the important role women play in supporting their families and communities through entrepreneurial activities. However, many women entrepreneurs operate under difficult circumstances, with limited access to finance, infrastructure, markets, training, and other forms of support. I therefore wanted my research to go beyond identifying these challenges and contribute towards understanding what can be done to support rural women entrepreneurs to build sustainable and successful businesses,” said Ntuli.
Despite going from undergraduate student to PhD graduate in the span of a decade, the journey was never linear. Being productive came with a price.
“One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing my full-time employment with my PhD studies. I am currently a Lecturer in the Department of Operations and Quality at DUT, and while pursuing my PhD, I was also involved in serving as a Residence Advisor at DUT residences. Balancing these responsibilities with the demands of doctoral research was not easy. My research also required me to engage with rural women entrepreneurs across uMhalbuyalingana, eJozini and Big Five Hlabisa, which required significant time, planning and commitment. I overcame these challenges through discipline, consistency, proper planning and prioritisation,” stated Ntuli.
Looking ahead, she hopes to continue advancing her academic career while contributing to the DUT family.
Her message to other students is to never forget where they come from and to not to let their background determine their destiny.
“I hope my story inspires other students, particularly those from rural communities, to understand that where you come from does not determine how far you can go,” concluded the newest PhD adaptive graduate.
With her future goals already planned out, her journey demonstrates that academic excellence can give birth to a world of possibilities that contribute to holistic development.
Pictured. Lindokuhle Senamile Ntuli
Photography: Sifundo Thwala
Sompisi Ntuli
