The Durban University of Technology (DUT) bids adieu to the outgoing trailblazing Madam Chancellor, Ms Nonkululeko Nyembezi, for the stellar manner in which she had served as Chancellor at the institution.
Ms Nyembezi, one of the most respected woman business leaders in the world, was given a farewell dinner in her honour at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) Complex Business Lounge on Tuesday, 16 September 2025.
Mr Alan Khan, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs, welcomed Ms Nyembezi and her guests, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Thandwa Mthembu, members of the DUT Council, members of the DUT executive and senior management team, and honoured guests, to the farewell dinner.
“It is my distinct honour to welcome you all to this special farewell dinner in tribute to Ms Nonkululeko Nyembezi, the outgoing Chancellor of the Durban University of Technology (DUT). We gather not only to say farewell but to celebrate a truly remarkable leader, a trailblazer, and an inspiration to so many of us,” he said.
Mr Khan shared a snapshot on Ms Nyembezi, speaking of her story which has always been one of courage, intellect, and determination.
“The daughter of a nurse and a lawyer who fought against apartheid, she excelled in mathematics and science from a young age and went on to study at the Manchester Institute of Science and Technology in the United Kingdom. She later earned her Master of Science at the prestigious California Institute of Technology in the United States, and an MBA from the Open University Business School,” he added.
Mr Khan further explained that her career spans some of the most influential companies and industries in the world. From IBM, where she built her early career across the US and South Africa, to her leadership roles at Alliance Capital Management, Vodacom, and ArcelorMittal South Africa-where she earned the formidable title, the ‘Woman of Steel’.
He highlighted that her extraordinary influence in the boardroom is reflected in her service as Chairperson of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange for nearly a decade, as well as her leadership roles at Old Mutual, Anglo American, and currently as the Chair of Standard Bank, Africa’s largest bank.
“Her achievements have been recognised globally. In 2012, Forbes named her one of the most influential women in the world. She has also made history as the first black woman to chair Alex Forbes. Beyond the titles, accolades and achievements, what makes Ms Nyembezi truly extraordinary is her authenticity, humility, and her steadfast commitment to excellence,” he said admirably.
As the Chancellor of DUT, Khan explained that Ms Nyembezi has reminded the DUT community that learning does not end at graduation-it merely takes a new form. She has encouraged the DUT adaptive graduates to be independent thinkers, to define success in their own terms, and to always seek to contribute, beyond themselves.
“We honour her legacy not only as a corporate titan, but as a visionary who has championed education, leadership and the empowerment of women and youth. Ms Nyembezi, thank you for your service, your wisdom and your inspiration. You leave DUT stronger, more confident and ready for the future because of your stewardship,” emphasised Mr Khan.
Sharing a farewell message on behalf of Professor Zamokuhle Mbandlwa, Chairperson of the Institutional Forum at DUT was DUT’s Dr Baphiwe Daweti.
“On behalf of the Institutional Forum at DUT, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude warmest wishes as your term as Chancellor comes to an end. You have made a lasting impact which will be remembered for decades. Throughout your tenure as Chancellor, you have demonstrated integrity and charted a vision inspiring both staff, students and stakeholders alike. Your support and promotion of academic excellence, inclusivity and innovation have significantly contributed to the growth and reputation of DUT,” he said.
Sharing his sentiments was DUT Registrar Dr Maditsane Nkonoane who wished the daughter of the evergreen KwaZulu-Natal KZN and the alumnus of the 156-year-old Inanda Seminary School, farewell.
He gave thanks to the former Chancellor for sharing inspirational messages during many DUT graduation ceremonies, which he added, propelled some graduates to be the best they could ever be, indicating that DUT is grateful for her fulfilling her duty with great excellence and distinction worthy of emulation of her success story.
“I would like to wish you well in your future endeavours and hope that the umbilical cord that ties you to the university will never be broken,” he echoed.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal at DUT, Professor Thandwa Mthembu also expressed his heartfelt thanks to Ms Nyembezi for everything she had done for DUT.
Prof Mthembu elaborated that she depicted the epitome of what DUT would like to see at the university because of how disciplined and poised she is. He shared that with there being 60% of female graduates at DUT, and her being a role model has been a blessing as the graduates looked up to her, aiming to be like her and to conquer the world.
“We will always be knocking on your door to be involved in many other things once we are ready at DUT and we really appreciate you for all those years you have served DUT as chancellor,” he said.
Finally, it was time for the’ woman of the moment’ to share her heartfelt thanks to the DUT community, especially for the sterling messages she had received which she said had touched her heart.
Ms Nyembezi emphasised that it had been an honour and a privilege; and a learning experience at DUT during her tenure as the Madam Chancellor at the institution.
In her talk, she showcased what DUT has achieved and remains to achieve in time to come. She spoke of the role of institutes of technologies in national development, the role that the institution has played, as well as the culture that DUT is instilling into its student and the high quality that every day the university tries to imbue and ensure that the graduates make their mark in the country and the world.
She gave a comparison of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States which has a budget around five billion dollars which is about 18 times the revenue of DUT in any given one year.
She spoke of MIT obtaining about 600 million dollars a year in funding from their former students, saying that despite MIT’s offering, DUT does so much with far less resources.
She spoke of DUT’s extra-ordinary credentials, mentioning that in 2024, the institution was ranked 11th in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings, securing its place as South Africa’s top university of technology and fifth overall in the country. She gave credit to Prof Mthembu and the DUT team for doing such remarkable things at the university.
Ms Nyembezi further indicated that behind the scenes there were many foundations to highlight at DUT such as the centre for energy in sustainable environmental energy programme, and the entrepreneurial incubation programme where students became job creators and not just job seekers.
She added that she firmly believes that DUT does not only add to the social good of the country, but it also helps the economy.
“DUT is not only productive but with my experience at the time I spent with you, it is also managed with highly rated management people,” she said.
Ms Nyembezi indicated that DUT has kept its campus calm and functional, remaining focused on its mission of producing graduates who are both useful to society but also ready to serve with dignity, which DUT is imbuing in its students every day.
“Serving as your Chancellor has been more than an honour. It has been a privilege, a learning experience, and a source of pride. I step down from this role with a sense of gratitude-gratitude for the colleagues who have supported me, for the students who have inspired me, and for a ring side seat to the joys and jubilations of communities that were loudly exhibited at graduation as pride surged at seeing their loved ones being capped, perhaps a first in their family. And I will continue to watch DUT’s progress with keen interest. I have no doubt that in the years ahead you will go from strength to strength – expanding your partnerships, deepening your research, serving more students, and enhancing your reputation as one of Africa’s leading universities of technology delivering world class education,” she concluded.
Dr Matheakuena Mohale, Director of Special Projects in the Office of Vice-Chancellor and Principal delivered a special toast to Ms Nyembezi highlighting an enduring bond and excellent health. This was followed by a beautiful song performed by DUT third-year Drama and Production Studies students, culminating with a scrumptious farewell dinner.
Pictured: Ms Nonkululeko Nyembezi
Waheeda Peters
