Walking across the stage at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Spring Graduation will be a significant moment for Mr Sthandiwe Mkhize, marking the completion of a qualification pursued alongside an established career and family responsibilities.
At 45, Mkhize has already built an accomplished career spanning tourism, economic development, strategy, governance, research and business advisory services. His decision to return to university was not about starting again, but about strengthening the knowledge and skills he had developed through years of professional experience.
Born in Richmond in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands and raised between Richmond and Durban, Mkhize began his career more than a decade ago in the tourism sector with Tourism KwaZulu Natal. He later established Sthandiwe Mkhize Advisory and has worked across the public, private and non profit sectors, gaining experience in strategic leadership, governance, entrepreneurship and business development.
As his career developed, so did the scope of his responsibilities. His work increasingly extended beyond tourism into strategy, organisational development, investment and advisory services. This changing professional landscape prompted his to return to the classroom.
“I wanted to strengthen my management knowledge and build on the experience I had gained over the years,” he said.
Mkhize successfully completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration at the DUT Business School, bringing years of professional experience into the classroom.
The qualification gave him an opportunity to connect academic theory with the realities of her professional work. Concepts discussed in the classroom could be applied to situations she encountered through consulting and leadership, while her professional experience gave her a practical perspective on the subjects she was studying.
“The programme strengthened my understanding of strategy, innovation and change, entrepreneurship, international business, business research and other important areas of management,” he said.
Returning to university while managing a career and family responsibilities required discipline and careful time management. Balancing assignments and deadlines with professional and personal responsibilities was not always easy, but the experience reinforced his belief that learning should continue throughout a person’s career.
For Mkhize, graduation is therefore not the end of his academic journey. He intends to pursue master’s level studies, with research interests that include business, investment, economic development and advisory practice.
He hopes to combine academic research with the professional experience he has gained and use both to contribute to research and policy development. He also wants to support the development of young African professionals and entrepreneurs while continuing to grow Sthandiwe Mkhize Advisory into a strong African advisory practice.
His experience has also shaped the advice he gives to students preparing to enter the world of work.
Mkhize believes a qualification should be viewed as a foundation rather than the final destination. He encourages students to take their studies seriously while also gaining practical experience through projects, volunteering, industry events and professional networks.
He believes communication, writing, analytical thinking, financial literacy, technology and data skills are increasingly important in building a sustainable career.
Above all, he encourages students to remain curious and open to learning.
“The qualification that gets you into your profession will not necessarily be enough to sustain you throughout your career,” he said.
His own journey reflects this philosophy. After building years of professional experience, Mkhize returned to university not because he had stopped learning, but because he wanted to keep growing.
As he prepares to join fellow graduates at the 2026 DUT Spring Graduation, his journey demonstrates that education can add value at every stage of a career. It is also a reminder that professional experience and academic learning do not have to exist separately. Together, they can create new possibilities for growth, contribution and what comes next.
Pictured: Mr Sthandiwe Mkhize who recently completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration at the DUT Business School.
Picture: Supplied
Luyanda Mlaba
