Dedication, resilience, and academic excellence define Zinhle Nzuza’s journey at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). The 28-year-old from Durban has achieved a rare and extraordinary feat graduating cum laudethree times across her academic career from her national diploma to her Bachelor of Technology and now her Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering. Nzuza’s academic path is a powerful story of perseverance and passion for engineering excellence.
Nzuza’s journey with DUT began a decade ago, in 2015, when she enrolled for a National Diploma in Civil Engineering, which she had completed in 2018. Her passion for water systems and infrastructure led her to pursue a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering, specialising in Water Engineering, which she had completed in 2021 and graduated cum laude. in 2022. She had embarked on the next phase of her academic journey by enrolling in the Master of engineering (civil) programme, and her consistent hard work has once again been recognised with a cum laude.
“i am filled with joy and enthusiasm, the considerable time and effort I dedicated to completing my thesis have culminated in this achievement, which serves as a testament to my dedication and diligence,” she said.
Her master’s research addressed a crucial issue, the lower Isipingo catchment’s capacity to mitigate flooding. The study revealed that urbanisation, poor solid waste management, and outdated drainage infrastructure significantly increase flood risks in the area. Nzuza’s findings offer the eThekwini municipality valuable data for improved flood preparedness and more efficient allocation of resources proving that academic work can have a real-world impact.
Nzuza firmly aligns herself with DUTs core values of integrity, commitment, and excellence.
“As engineers, we carry great responsibility. integrity is central to how we design, build, and solve problems that affect people’s lives. Excellence is not just a goal it is a standard we must live by,” she explained.
Despite her achievements, Nzuza has faced numerous obstacles in her academic journey. One of her biggest challenges was finding a research supervisor due to departmental shortages. “I reached out to Professor Sudesh Rathilal, who helped me secure a supervisor at the Pietermaritzburg campus, that support was a turning point for me,” she added. Balancing academics, professional responsibilities, and personal life was also tough, but her determination never waivered.
Her family’s reaction to the news was nothing short of jubilation. “The joy was contagious our home was filled with smiles, laughter, and pride,” she said.
Nzuza’s decision to pursue Civil Engineering came from a heartfelt desire to make a difference. “Witnessing Durban’s increased vulnerability to flooding pushed me to use my skills to drive change both academically and in industry,” said Nzuza.
While she is taking a break from formal studies for now, she plans to register professionally with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and continue contributing to infrastructure and flood management solutions. her vision includes cross-sector collaborations to enhance resilience through smarter infrastructure planning, early warning systems, and public participation.
Nzuza currently works as a civil engineering technologist at Royal HaskoningDHV, where she is part of the climate resilience team and serves as a resident engineer on a water project in Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal.
She is also passionate about mentoring young women in engineering. “Representation matters. young girls need to see and hear from us, especially about the challenges we face and how we overcome them,” she explained.
Her advice to first-year students is simple yet powerful: “Be open-minded. civil engineering is more than numbers it is about solving real problems. our country needs bold thinkers ready to push boundaries and build a better future.”
Pictured: Zinhle Nzuza
photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Sinamile Sithole
