Flying the Harding flag high at the Durban University of Technology Autumn Graduation ceremony was Dr Mziwendoda Madwe, who graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Accounting. He was honoured for his unwavering persistence in achieving his dream at a ceremony held at the Olive Convention Centre on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.
Hailing from Harding in southern KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Madwe (44) is a proud DUT alumnus who began his academic journey at the university in 2006 with a Diploma in Accounting. In his second year of study, he was elected as a student tutor after excelling academically. He later obtained his BTech in Cost and Management Accounting as well as his Master’s in Accounting at DUT, graduating Cum Laude for his Master’s in 2017. This achievement motivated him to pursue his PhD.
His lecturing career began at DUT as a contract lecturer. After completing his Master’s degree, he was offered a lecturing position at the University of Zululand, where he currently teaches and mentors aspiring accountants.
Speaking after his graduation, Dr Madwe shared that his PhD journey did not start at DUT, as he had previously faced challenges along the way.
“After my earlier attempts, I had to reassess, refocus and remind myself why I started this journey. It required discipline, patience and a strong belief that I could still achieve my goal. I then decided to return to DUT where my journey began. I am grateful to have completed my PhD in record time,” said Dr Madwe.
For Dr Madwe, the journey taught him valuable lessons about resilience and personal growth.
“Failing to complete my PhD in earlier attempts did not mean the end. It meant I had to come back stronger, improve my work and remain committed. I am proud that I did not give up. It is proof that one’s dreams remain valid as long as the dreamer is still alive,” he said.
Dr Madwe also encouraged postgraduate students to trust the guidance of their supervisors and remain committed to the research process, even when receiving critical feedback.
His study titled “The Impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance Performance on the Financial Stability of Environmental Footprint Companies Listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange” addresses a critical gap in both literature and practice by highlighting the absence of an integrated framework linking Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, firm-level internal resources and financial performance. He has published three papers from this study in DHET-accredited journals, including two in Quartile 1 Scimago-ranked outlets.
His proud mother, Ms Duduzile Madwe, was ecstatic after witnessing her eldest son obtain his PhD. She commended him for leading by example to his younger siblings and thanked him for making her a proud mother.
