Graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy: Business and Information Management was both humbling and deeply fulfilling for Nelisiwe Mchunu, representing years of dedication, perseverance, and personal growth.
“This achievement is not only academic but also symbolic of resilience, discipline, and commitment to contributing meaningful knowledge to society. I feel grateful, proud, and inspired to continue making a positive impact in academia and beyond,” shared an elated Nelisiwe.
The lecturer in the Department of Entrepreneurial Studies and Management at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) was conferred with her Doctor of Philosophy: Business and Information Management at the much-anticipated DUT 2026 Autumn Graduation ceremony at the Indumiso Campus Hall in Pietermaritzburg.
She was born and bred in a rural area of Pietermaritzburg at KwaMpande. Growing up in a rural community allowed her to witness firsthand how disasters such as floods and severe storms disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
“I saw how limited infrastructure, resource constraints, and slow institutional responses can deepen social and economic hardship. These lived experiences profoundly shaped my academic interests and ultimately inspired my doctoral research,” she shared.
Being passionate about governance, public administration, and disaster risk management, and given the increasing climate-related disasters in our province, Nelisiwe felt compelled to contribute research that could strengthen municipal systems and protect vulnerable communities.
The title of her dissertation is: Institutional resilience, administrative practices and disaster risk management by KZN municipalities. The study examined how institutional resilience strategies are operationalised within municipal disaster risk management systems in KwaZulu-Natal. Using a comparative case study approach and qualitative methods, the research explored governance capacity, coordination mechanisms, adaptive learning processes, and resource allocation practices.
The study found that institutional resilience varies significantly between metropolitan and local municipalities.
“Governance maturity, fiscal capacity, and technical expertise strongly influence disaster preparedness and response effectiveness. The research further demonstrated that structured learning systems, data-driven planning, and coordinated administrative practices are critical for strengthening municipal resilience,” she echoed.
Her study not only an academic achievement, but also a personal commitment to contributing knowledge that can strengthen governance systems and protect communities like the one in which she was raised. “I remain passionate about advancing research that supports adaptive, responsive and resilient local governance systems, particularly in rural and under-resourced municipalities,” she added.
However, balancing professional responsibilities, research demands, and personal commitments were challenging, and the doctoral journey required emotional resilience, time management, and sustained motivation. “There were moments of uncertainty, but consistency and support helped me persevere,” she said.
Having her family with her on this journey was amazing. “They are incredibly proud and emotional. Their support throughout this journey was invaluable. This achievement belongs to them as much as it does to me,” she explained.
For now, Nelisiwe plans to consolidate her research contributions, publish her work, and expand its practical impact. “Continuous learning remains important to me, whether formally or through research engagement. My aim is to continue contributing to higher education, research, and policy development, particularly in governance and disaster risk management. I aspire to influence both academic scholarship and public sector practice,” she emphasised.
Her advice to prospective students are to stay disciplined, remain curious, and never underestimate the power of consistency.
“A PhD is a marathon, not a sprint. Build a strong support system, seek mentorship, and believe in your capacity to succeed,” she said.
Pictured: Dr Nelisiwe Mchunu.
Photography: S’bonelo Dlamini.
Waheeda Peters
