The Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct Project Manager: Dr Mfanozelwe Shozi obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration with the focus on “utilising action research to build peace at Njobokazi Village, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).”
He received his PhD at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Autumn graduation ceremony held on Saturday, 27 May 2023 at the Olive Convention Centre.
Dr Shozi stated that the study was inspired by his upbringing since he grew up in various villages within KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) that includes Mntanotengayo near Zwelibomvu, Njobokazi (Camperdown), Mmangala (Ndwedwe) and Ngonyameni (near Umlazi) which has a lot of political violence and faction fighting that led to him losing two years of schooling and attending five different primary schools.
“I come from very humble beginnings that contributed to the person that I am today. This qualification is to honour to myself as it consolidates all my studies and work experience that I acquired over the last 31 years. My goal is to be a good example to the youth, especially those residing in the villages where I grew up, and to also encourage them that anything is possible regardless of their background. I see myself as an ambassador for all rural girls and boys who grew up and who continue to grow under extreme conditions of poverty, violence, discrimination and conservative cultural philosophies,” he explained.
Furthermore, he highlighted that COVID-19 negatively impacted his study because he had to stop collecting data and hold community engagements which led to his study being delayed for one and a half years, but through the support from his supervisor Professor Geoff Harris assisted by Mr Crispin Hemson finally, he succeeded in completing it.
“I will also like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to my lovely wife Londy Shozi, my mother, my sister Mozo and my daughter Mbali Shozi that rescued me during the difficult times”, he said.
Dr Shozi also mentioned that his academic plans are to write academic articles and later publish the dissertation as a book.
Pictured: Dr Shozi
Zanele Mashaba
