The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Library, in collaboration with the Division of Corporate Affairs, hosted a book launch for Dr Thuli Sizile Tabudi, an author, DUT Foundation member,  mentor, and HR executive. The book titled: Inspirational Leadership: Leadership Lessons from Kilimanjaro was launched at the DUT Hotel school, Ritson Campus, on Thursday, 14 August 2025.

Dr Tabudi, is the National Sustainability: Socio Economic and Transformation Executive for The SPAR Group, a listed and international organisation and is a member of the Executive Committee.

Dr Tabudi’s passion for books and leadership literature led her to pursue and climb Kilimanjaro and this is where her leadership skills came into practice in real life.

The book offers practical wisdom that will empower one to become the best leader one can be, no matter hurdles one may be facing. “There are very women who regard themselves as leaders, so it’s really important for women leaders to know that they are. At home, women take their space as leaders but that’s where it ends, so women need to visualise their leadership,” she said. She further spoke of her year long journey of training her fitness levels to ensure she could cope with the walking aspect on Kilimanjaro.

She indicated that inspirational leadership which she had unlocked on her climb showcased to her the  profound insights that can be found in the most unexpected places like in her journey through Kilimanjaro. This book encourages one to start by looking at what is around them before venturing outside to source for solutions without checking on what is already in their backyard.

 “Together, let’s strive to become better people and stronger leaders, fortified by the practical wisdom of life’s challenges. We can all reflect on our past journeys and be reminded of those times when we were strong, so that when things are difficult, we have a library of life victories that remind us of our true powers because we are stronger than we at times believe,” said Dr Tabudi.

Dr Taubadi shared that through this book, it will inspire one to ascend one’s own Kilimanjaro, no matter life’s challenges, and it will give a person time to reflect on one’s journey one step at a time.

Dr Taubadi had completed her Masters and PhD degrees at the University of Johannesburg. Her thesis was an autoethnographic one focusing on her experience and is entitled: Rose or Thorn? A black female manager’s account of working in a male-dominated environment.

She contributed a chapter in a best-selling HR book called New Age Agenda entitled “Increasing Social Capital Through Employee Engagement, Employee Experience and Belonging: The SPAR Ltd story”.

The book is selling for R329,00 at Exclusive Books.

Pictured: Dr Thuli Tabudi, speaking about her book called: Inspirational Leadership: Leadership Lessons from Kilimanjaro.