The waiting period is finally over for the hardworking academic at the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Department of Public Management Law and Economics lecturer, Dr Buyani Nkabinde.

Dr Nkabinde (31) from Umlazi Township in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) graduated for his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2024 Autumn Graduation held at Indumiso Campus on Tuesday, 14 May 2024.

He holds a National Diploma in Public Management which he had obtained at the Mangosuthu University of Technology and a Bachelor of Technology in Public Management from DUT.

“It is indeed true when they say hard work pays off. This qualification takes me back to a young age whilst I was attending secondary school. I have always had the interest in development, economics, and politics. Deciding on the topic for my research was easy because I knew that it should be based on my passion. This made it simple for me to enjoy the journey,” said Dr Nkabinde.

The title of his thesis is: Rural-urban migration patterns to enhance service delivery in KwaZulu-Natal: eThekwini Municipality. He further explained that the motive for his research was derived from the observation of the Umlazi township conditions because of ignored rural to urban migration patterns.

“During my B-Tech studies I was supervised by two research supervisor’s Dr LM Lekhanya and Professor N Dorasamy which subsequently led to them also supervising me for my Doctor of Philosophy: Public Administration. Their support encouraged me to persevere as I had to study during weekends and after work,” he explained.

Sharing words of wisdom to others, Dr Nkabinde emphasised the importance of overcoming procrastination because it delays people to achieve their goals.

He said that his goal is to become one of the youngest professors in South Africa who is ethical with high discipline. Dr Nkabinde is very excited and honoured for the opportunity that had been offered to him by DUT which has contributed to his self-development.

Pictured: Dr Buyani Nkabinde

Zanele Mashaba