One of the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) 2030 strategic intents is to ensure that DUT people will be creative, innovative, entrepreneurial, and adaptive to changes in the world. In adherence to producing adaptive graduates, students are exposed to industry professionals, especially DUT alumni, who give insight into what the expectations are in various industries, such as the field of language practice. First-year Language Practice students were excited to receive career advice from one of the department’s distinguished alumni, Ntokozo Msomi, who recently delivered an inspiring guest lecture on building a career as a language practitioner at the institution.
The guest lecture formed part of the programme’s ongoing efforts to connect students with industry professionals and to demonstrate the diverse career pathways available to graduates of the Language Practice programme.
Msomi, currently the Head isiZulu Language Specialist for African Languages at Netflix, took students on a journey through her own career development, from her undergraduate years at DUT to her current role at one of the world’s leading streaming platforms. Her address was both candid and motivating, offering students a realistic yet aspirational picture of what a career in language practice can look like.
In addition to her work at Netflix, she is actively involved in language policy and development at the University Language Planning and Development Office at UKZN, where she contributes to the advancement of indigenous languages in higher education. Her influence extends beyond the corporate sphere; in her spare time, she co-hosts iLukuluku, an isiZulu science podcast dedicated to promoting scientific terminology development and the decolonisation of science through indigenous languages.
Speaking after the session, student Nosihle Mkize shared her experience of the morning: “It was a good experience because we learned the importance of studying languages in varsity, including English and isiZulu, and saw how it can help us in the future as we pursue different careers and want to achieve different things.”
Another student, Nontokozo Mngadi, highlighted that meeting Msomi was such an honour and pleasure. “The session was inspiring, and it opened our eyes to the fact that language practice does not end with being an interpreter or translator; the options are diverse.”
Nikiwe Masango added, “Msomi’s career is quite interesting and fun. It was an eye-opener career-wise. There are many career possibilities in language practice. She inspired us to further our studies in order to get more opportunities and to travel outside the country.”
Pictured: Ntokozo Msomi delivering an inspiring lecture to the first-year Language Practice students.
Tasneem Seedat
