The Hlomisa Skills Academy at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is proud to introduce its first Doctoral graduate. The Hlomisa Skills Academy was launched in November 2019 as part of the DUT ‘Grow-Our-Own-Timber’ programmes.
Alumnus Dr Thobeka Shozi-Nxumalo was the proud recipient of a three year bursary from the prestigious DUT Hlomisa Skills Academy.
She recently graduated with her PhD in Higher Education Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Having a strong passion for research, particularly on student leadership development, led her to focus her dissertation topic on: Relating Women Students’ Experiences of Pursuing Leadership Positions at KwaZulu-Natal Universities with External Party Politics.
“My work in this area has allowed me to contribute significantly to the field of student leadership in higher education and address critical issues related to gender issues, representation and policy development around this area,” she added proudly.
For Dr Shozi-Nxumalo, being part of the esteemed Hlomisa Skills Academy has played a pivotal role in shaping her academic journey and her role in society.
“It further opened my eyes to the broader duties I have to society, where the Academy has played a big role in nurturing a sense of responsibility to give back and contribute positively. As it is embedded in the ENVISION2030 strategy, which talks about our role in society, my development is not for me but for DUT at large, the society and or anyone I get to be in contact with,” she explained.
Giving insight into the prestigious Hlomisa Skills Academy was Dr Matheakuena Mohale, the Director of Special Projects in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor at the DUT.
“DUT Management launched the Academy in November 2019 as part of the suite of the Grow-Our-Own-Timber programmes that we considered implementing to build capacity and contribute towards the University’s sustainability. What makes the Hlomisa Skills Academy unique is its strong bias towards leadership and community engagement over and above just academic development,” he stressed.
Currently, the Hlomisa Skills Academy has 14 participants – 12 are continuing with their studies while there are two new participants added to the programme.
Dr Shozi-Nxumalo emphasised that the Academy not only provides financial support but also offers valuable resources and a supportive community that is essential for academic, professional, and personal growth.
“It empowered me on so many levels while instilling a strong sense of leadership and duty towards our communities. The experience has strengthened my belief in the power of education to effect positive change in individuals and groups. I am committed to paying it forward by continuing to make a difference in the world,” she said.
She further relayed that obtaining her doctorate through the Hlomisa Skills Academy was a moment of enormous pride and accomplishment.
“This achievement has opened new doors for me and has provided a strong foundation for my future endeavours. Through the Hlomisa Skills Academy support, I have managed to finish my studies in record time,” she beamed euphorically.
Dr Mohale further explained why it is crucial to have programmes such as the Hlomisa Skills Academy, which is not just for students but for younger staff members and alumni as well.
“We are very biased towards community engagement and leadership development which must coexist with academic development. In this respect, we bring awareness to the participants that our growth and development as individuals must not be for self-serving purposes. It must be geared towards making a contribution to the improvement of lives and livelihoods of communities. We must deliberately contribute towards transforming societies and economies. In this respect, this is part of the many pathways that shape our students towards being adaptive in a quest for societal development,” he added.
Dr Shozi-Nxumalo gave thanks to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of DUT, Professor Thandwa Mthembu, for the great initiative and for giving her the opportunity to be part of the inaugural cohort at DUT.
“My heartfelt thanks also goes to Dr Mohale, who did not only believe in me but also provided support and guidance. I am truly grateful to him for everything,” she said.
She also gave thanks to DUT’s Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane, Student Governance and Development Manager, Mr Masiza Ngculu, and Personal Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor, Ms Sushi Moodley for their unwavering support.
Going forward, Dr Shozi-Nxumalo aspires to focus on research and professionalisation of student services as an area that has been in discussion for quite some time.
“The DUT strategy clearly speaks about us impacting lives and livelihoods, I wish to be the embodiment of those values through meaningful impact on my work and the society at large. In addition, Hlomisa Fellowship is a lifelong opportunity. Even though I have completed my studies, I remain a Hlomisian forever. DUT remains my home forever,” she expressed.
When Dr Mohale first met Dr Shozi-Nxumalo in 2018, she struck him as someone who had the clarity of thought regarding her destiny. “When we launched the programme in 2019, she told me she would be the first PhD graduate and she did exactly that. That’s discipline; that’s focus. That’s determination. I advise her to continue with her consistency of discipline and humility,” he said.
Going forward, Dr Mohale indicated that the Hlomisa Skills Academy programme is under review which is informed by the University’s commitment to consolidate all capacity building programmes. “The decision on its future will be made not too far in the future,” he said.
Pictured: A proud Dr Shozi-Nxumalo with Dr Matheakuena Mohale; Director of Special Projects in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor at the DUT.
Waheeda Peters
