Growing up at Burford Farm near Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal, Philani Ntshangase could not have known that his journey of perseverance and lifelong learning would eventually lead him to earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Durban University of Technology (DUT). He was conferred with his MBA at the 2026 Spring Graduation ceremony, which was held at the Olive Convention Centre on Thursday, 17 September 2026.
Ntshangase (47), a Senior Technician in the Information and Communications Technologies Services (ICTS) PC Workshop at DUT, has spent years building his career while continuously pursuing further education. Obtaining his MBA, marked another significant milestone in his remarkable academic journey that began at DUT two decades ago.
He joined DUT in 2006 to study for a National Diploma in Electronics Engineering. His commitment to continuous learning saw him go on to complete a B-Tech in Quality Management in 2015, followed by a B-Tech in Electronics Engineering in 2017.
He subsequently broadened his knowledge beyond engineering, completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration in 2021 and a National Diploma in Safety Management through UNISA in 2023.
His latest achievement the MBA holds special significance as Ntshangase was part of the second MBA cohort at the DUT Business School.
“The MBA journey was particularly meaningful because I was part of the second MBA cohort at the DUT Business School. The programme presented its own challenges. After completing two years of intensive coursework, we progressed to the research phase. This is where we encountered delays involving research approvals, ethics clearance and gatekeeper permissions,” shared Ntshangase.
Rather than allowing these obstacles to derail his studies, he remained committed to completing the qualification.
His MBA research was closely connected to his professional experience. His mini-dissertation, titled “Enhancing Computer Equipment Management at Durban University of Technology,” examined how the management, availability, maintenance and allocation of computer equipment can affect staff productivity.
Working in the ICTS unit gave Ntshangase first-hand insight into some of the challenges associated with computer equipment, including delays in obtaining or replacing equipment, limited availability of backup computers and outdated or incompatible technology.
“I wanted to understand the extent to which computer equipment management challenges affect staff productivity and identify practical, evidence-based ways in which DUT could improve its equipment management processes,” he said.
The research ultimately highlighted the importance of effective computer equipment management in supporting staff and ensuring the efficient delivery of institutional services.
Balancing postgraduate studies with his responsibilities as a full-time employee and family commitments was one of the greatest challenges of his journey. There were evenings, weekends and holidays dedicated to studying, research and writing.
He credited discipline, effective time management and the support of his family, colleagues and academic mentors for helping him remain focused.
“Having overcome many obstacles throughout my life, I viewed each challenge as an opportunity to grow rather than a reason to give up,” he said.
Ntshangase’s academic achievements have also shaped his aspirations for the future. He hopes to progress into senior management and strategic ICT leadership, particularly within higher education or related industries.
He is also considering doctoral studies and hopes to further develop his expertise in ICT asset lifecycle management and e-waste sustainability.
Beyond his own professional ambitions, Ntshangase is passionate about mentoring and empowering young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
For Ntshangase, education has been a powerful instrument of transformation. His journey from a humble rural background to postgraduate success has reinforced his belief that perseverance, hard work and determination can open doors that may once have seemed out of reach.
Pictured: MBA graduate, Philani Ntshangase.
Simangele Zuma
