Producing knowledge that is not only relevant, but also responsible forms a key element that the adaptive graduates at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) are cultivated into producing.
One of the adaptive graduates at DUT was Dr Talent Phumelela Vezi, who graduated with his Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Business And Information Management at the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation ceremony which was held at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC) on Monday, 26 May 2025.
Dr Vezi, who falls under the emblem of the Faculty of Accounting and informatics, delved into his dissertation titled: Modelling of Staff Development Framework to Enhance Employee’s Performance in the Selected South African Local Government: Msunduzi Municipality.
Dr Vezi’s research accomplishment was not an easy road, it was a roadway deterred by some personal and professional challenges and hardships. He indicated that he had somehow managed to continue on his journey of study which culminated to him completing his much-anticipated PhD, a feat he will always remember.
“I can’t believe I made it, I still have goosebumps thinking about it. My road was filled with many challenges, my personal (love) life, my academics and workwise but I managed to overcome them and finish this rocky path,” he said triumphantly.
In terms of his topic of dissertation, Dr Vezi continued from his master’s thesis which looked into socialising in human resource management in local government so he decided to continue with his PhD study, which is an extension into local government.
Dr Vezi explained that this Doctoral study explores the development of an effective staff development framework to enhance employee performance within the Msunduzi Municipality, South Africa.
“Local governments frequently face persistent challenges in strengthening workforce capabilities, directly impacting service delivery and institutional performance. The study adopted an exploratory qualitative research approach underpinned by the constructivist paradigm, which enabled an in-depth exploration of the participant’s experiences and the socio-cultural context shaping staff development and service delivery in local government,” he said.
The findings of his dissertation revealed significant shortcomings in staff development practices, including inadequate training, limited career advancement opportunities, and a misalignment between individual competencies and organisational objectives.
“The research concludes that implementing this framework can substantially improve employee performance and organisational effectiveness. The study offers practical insights for policymakers and HR practitioners while contributing to the academic discourse on public sector human resource management and service delivery in South Africa,” he shared.
Currently, Dr Vezi is working as a housing administrator in the Department of Student Housing. Going forward, Dr Vezi emphasised his vast interest into getting into academics, specifically into the research arena.
Dr Vezi gave a special vote of thanks to his amazing family, especially his mother and sister for their continuous support in his academic studies. He further thanked his amazing friends from high school and his church for their unfaltering commitment they had showed him whilst he was going through his academic studies.
Pictured: Talent Phumelela Vezi
Waheeda Peters
