Busisiwe Sibisi always had a deep passion for academic learning and took an educational decision to continue on this path pursuing her PhD, a decision that has now bore fruit.
The 46-year-old from Yellowwood Park, Durban proudly took to the stage to receive her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business and Information Management at the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony which was held at the Indumiso campus in Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday, 13 May 2025.
The newly conferred doctor proudly expressed that obtaining such a degree served as a personal milestone of perseverance and capability, an accomplishment worth being proud of.
“It has been great the support I received from the research supervisors who guided me all the way,” she reacted jubilantly.
Besides being over the moon on her accomplishment, her family were extremely happy and congratulated her with genuine excitement.
“They were all over the moon beaming with pride and joy. For them, it wasn’t just about the degree but about witnessing the culmination of years of hard work, late nights, and perseverance. Their support throughout the journey made the achievement even more meaningful, and seeing their reactions made the moment unforgettable,” she expressed proudly.
In the time of her studies, Dr Sibisi resonated with the DUT values and principles, especially on excellence, because it reflects a commitment to achieving high standards in everything one does academically, professionally, and personally.
“Another meaningful one is accountability, taking responsibility for your actions and outcomes. This principle is especially important in both the academic and work environments, where being dependable and trustworthy makes a real difference,” added Dr Sibisi.
Reminiscing on her studies, Dr Sibisi shared that there were some of the challenges she had faced as a student. She spoke of time management, balancing coursework, research, and a full-time job as well as family responsibilities which were overwhelming at times.
However, going into her research, she shared on her dynamic dissertation, explaining that her curiosity to explore her field was beyond surface level knowledge.
“The decision came from a desire to contribute meaningfully to my discipline through original research, and to challenge myself academically and intellectually. I wanted to not only deepen my expertise but also develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that a PhD cultivates. It wasn’t an easy path, but it was one I chose with purpose and commitment,” she emphasised.
The research topic she delved into is titled: A prototype integrated change management model for enhancing sustainable administrative effectiveness in KwaZulu-Natal municipalities.
She shared that this study investigates the persistent challenges confronting municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, in effectively managing change, which has contributed to unsustainable administrative practices and service delivery failures.
“Despite existing change management initiatives, municipalities continue to struggle with political instability, poor communication, and capacity constraints,” she added.
Dr Sibisi indicated that this study proposes a prototype Integrated Change Management (ICM) model tailored to South African municipalities. “This model incorporates strategic planning, leadership alignment, stakeholder involvement, continuous learning, and robust monitoring systems in order to support sustainable administrative effectiveness,” she proffered.
Dr Sibisi is currently working at Ethekwini Municipality, as the Manager: Sales in Execution and Legal Processes.
“Now that I’ve earned my PhD, my aim is to build a career where I can apply my research expertise to create real-world impact whether in academia, spheres of government, or a combination of both,” she highlighted.
Dr Sibisi conveyed that she is passionate about continuing research, publishing, and contributing to innovation in her field, but she is also equally driven to mentor others, teach, and collaborate on interdisciplinary projects.
“Long-term, I see myself in a leadership or expert advisory role, shaping strategies, influencing policy, or guiding future research directions,” she said.
Her advice to first year students who wish to embark to study is to be prepared for the long run.
“For me, a PhD is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, effort, and resilience. Be ready for both the ups and the downs, but remember that the challenges are part of the growth process,” she said.
Pictured: Dr Busisiwe Sibisi
Waheeda Peters
