Despite facing numerous challenges, Dumo Ntyinkala was not deterred and continued with his academic pursuits. He obtained an academic opportunity at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), where he pursued a Diploma Public Management, later advancing to a Bachelor of Technology in Public Administration.
In 2024, he decided to register for a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Administration, earning himself a Deans Merit Award for academic excellence. He proudly graduated amongst the Faculty of Management Sciences graduates at the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony, held at Indumiso campus in Pietermaritzburg on Monday, 12 May 2025.
His journey is marked by perseverance and dedication. After being expelled from one of the universities due to his involvement in student politics, he seized the opportunity at DUT to complete his diploma.
“I had been expelled from one of the universities for having participated in student protest action as a leader and having served as Student Representative Council (SRC) President. At the verge of giving up, DUT provided me with an opportunity to complete my qualification,” shared Ntyinkala.
For Ntyinkala, receiving a Deans Merit Award was a significant milestone that affirms his capabilities and validates the efforts he put into his studies. He views this achievement as a source of inspiration for others who face similar challenges, emphasising the importance of persistence and perseverance in achieving academic goals.
“This was an achievement I will hold dear for a lifetime and will use to inspire others who, in the quest of achieving their goals have experienced setbacks that persistence and perseverance will always yield the required results. It will also be a lesson to those in student leadership, that at times we get lost in process of service and neglect the purpose for which we are students in the first place, which is to study and acquire knowledge and skills and as a result contribute to knowledge production for the betterment of our people and nation,” he shared.
As he looks to the future, Ntyinkala plans to continue his studies and make a positive impact in society. He advises aspiring students to engage actively in platforms of national interest and to use their studies as a tool for social development. He is currently working as the Secretary to the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, he is committed to discharging his skills to better the sector as a whole.
Pictured: Duma Ntyinkala.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Thubelihle Dumakude
