Dr Sandile Myeni, a proud son of Ezibayeni in Hluhluwe, a rural community in the northern KwaZulu-Natal, has achieved a remarkable milestone in his academic journey. He was conferred with his Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences, specialising in Hospitality and Tourism, at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2025 Autumn Graduation ceremony, which was held at the Indumiso campus in Pietermaritzburg on Monday, 12 May 2025.
Dr Myeni’s journey at DUT has been an enriching and transformative experience. His doctoral research focused on the effectiveness of marketing strategies employed by tour operators in promoting small tourism enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal. The study developed a Marketing Strategy Effectiveness Model (MSEM) that can guide tour operators and policymakers in enhancing collaborative and sustainable marketing practices.
As a DUT lecturer, researcher, and parent, Dr Myeni faced significant challenges in balancing his multiple roles. However, he developed strong time management skills and leaned on a strong support system to overcome these hurdles. He also credits his academic community, mentors, and family for their unwavering support and motivation.
“Juggling multiple roles as a lecturer, researcher, and parent was a significant challenge. At times, each role demanded full attention, making it difficult to maintain momentum. I had to develop strong time management skills and lean on a strong support system. Additionally, the PhD journey can sometimes feel isolating spending long hours reading, writing, and analysing data independently. However, staying connected with my academic community, seeking guidance from my mentors, and maintaining a focused mindset helped me overcome these hurdles,” he explained.
Apart from being a full time lecturer, Myeni aspires to become a professor and research leader in the field of tourism and development. He plans to mentor emerging scholars, contribute to evidence-based policymaking, and lead impactful projects that promote rural and sustainable tourism across Africa.
“I plan to undertake postdoctoral research, publish further in peer-reviewed journals, and collaborate on international projects that promote sustainable and inclusive tourism development. I also intend to attend international conferences to stay abreast of emerging trends and research in tourism, while networking with global experts to exchange ideas that can shape and strengthen my future work. I believe that continued academic growth requires a deep commitment to lifelong learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship all of which contribute to expanding knowledge, improving teaching, and enhancing research output,” he said.
As Dr Myeni embarks on his next journey, he remains committed to lifelong learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship. His story serves as an inspiration to students and professionals alike, demonstrating the power of education and perseverance in achieving academic and career goals.
Currently, Dr Myeni serves as a lecturer in the Department of Ecotourism at DUT, where he teaches tourism-related subjects to both postgraduate and undergraduate students. His responsibilities also include supervising student research projects and leading community engagement initiatives, contributing to the academic and practical development of students in the field of ecotourism.
Pictured: DUT lecturer, Dr Sandile Myeni when he was conferred with his PhD in Hospitality and Tourism
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Thubelihle Dumakude
