Thalente Hadebe, who grew up in Newcastle, in the  Madadeni township looked forward to her graduation day at the Durban University of Technology (DUT).

The energetic lass was conferred for her Master of Management Sciences in Administration and Information Management which is under the helm of the Faculty of Accounting and Information Informatics.  She graduated at the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation ceremony which was held at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC) Durban on 26 May 2025.

“I wanted to be the first person to graduate in three different faculties but still in line with my vision,” she related.

Hadebe expressed that she was excited to be graduating but not completely since her parents who had encouraged her to study are now late. She looked forward to it since her previous graduation was during the COVID-19 period.

Hadebe delved into her dissertation which explored Female Students’ Quest for Leadership and Their Lived Experience at DUT. Her motivation for this dissertation was due to her fulfilling the role of a student leader and in the context of higher education, student leadership is crucial as student representatives play a vital role in institutional governance.

“However, gender disparities persist with female students often facing unique challenges in accessing leadership roles. My findings highlighted the different motivations that DUT female student leaders possess. Making a difference in their communities is a common source of motivation for DUT female student leaders. Also, I have identified the different enabling and constraining factors for female student leaders. Capacity development was one of the major enabling factors for DUT female student leaders. Female student leaders in DUT frequently navigated challenging terrains moulded by their distinct possibilities, obstacles and experiences. Numerous elements, such as institutional assistance, personal goals, and societal expectations, have impacted their leadership journey,” she explained.

Being part of DUT saw Hadebe associate with integrity since it is important in all DUT living values and principles. “I believe integrity gives me a strong sense of direction and self-respect, because when I act in alignment with DUT values, I am not just adhering to external expectations but also nurturing my own inner sense of right and wrong. I value integrity as a cornerstone of all DUT living values which are crucial in DUT environment,” she said.

Her dynamic journey was not without a few challenges as a student in 2016, She struggled a lot because she did not have funding , however, that did not stop her from studying and engaging in student leadership activities as part of the SRC subcommittee 2016/2017. Her diploma journey was not easy, but it made her strong. As a result, Hadebe did not want to see another student going through the phase that she had been through. In 2019/2020, Hadebe was part of the DUT SRC as a Sport officer.

“I found it interesting to lead students and assist those who are coming from a lower social class background as myself,” added Hadebe.

 In 2021, she had continued with her Masters. Unfortunately, on 7 January 2021, she lost her support structure which is her  mother. “She only left me with a few words before she had died, saying I must continue to study as she knew that I will make it. Even though I was thinking of giving up my mother’s last words always encouraged me. I knew that changing faculty would not be easy, but it was possible,” she shared.

 This was a roller coaster time for her with her registration, going through depression, and attending grief counselling. “Even now it’s not easy since losing a parent is not something that passes within the wink of an eye but it’s a pain that you learn to live with it. Being an orphan did not stop me from achieving my goal and to make my mom proud I know she is proud; I know that my parents are proud that I finally made it,” she expressed.

 Hadebe’s other challenge was changing supervisors in 2022. She had to start with a new supervisor and is grateful to God that she got Dr Rosaline Govender as her supervisor.

“Not just a supervisor but I got a mentor, support structure, someone who was always there for me,” she said.

Hadebe believes that the promise that she had made to her mom will be fulfilled. “I promised my mom that I will be the first person in my family to have a child that has a PhD. So, I’m going to register for my PhD, and I do not intend taking a gap year,” she said.

Hadebe is a residence advisor in a first-year residence for students under her faculty. She always encourages them that opportunities will not just come to one, but one must go and hunt for them. “If you have good marks they will speak for you, sometimes you don’t have to do motivation or testimonies. Administration is very broad, everywhere there is administration as much as the world is changing or adapting to the fourth industrial revolution, but administrators are still compulsory they are an engine of the organisation. They must believe in themselves, and work hard,” she stressed

Hadebe currently works as an Administrative Assistant in the Financial Aid unit under Student Services at DUT. “We administer bursaries, assisting students with applications. Also, we organise programmes for students such as financial literacy, and road shows where I capacitate students and ensure that students have a good and conducive residence life for proper learning and I also fulfil the role of a Qhakaza ladies network advisor,” she shared.

 She further indicated that she would like to acknowledge her supervisor, Dr Rosaline Govender.

“No words can express how much I appreciate you. I thank God for choosing me to be your student. I would not have made it if it was not for your guidance, unconditional love and support. Thank you for being an incredible mentor and your faith in me. Even when I was thinking of giving up, you encouraged me; you pushed me to the core. You are the best supervisor ever. May the gracious Lord bless you so much. My sincere appreciation to you,” she said.  She also acknowledged many others who have played a role in her studies.

Pictured: Thalente Hadebe

Waheeda Peters