To honour the outstanding achievements of the Class of 2025, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Business School hosted its second annual Student Awards ceremony at the DUT Hotel School, Ritson Campus, in Durban on Friday, 31 July 2026.
Held under the inspiring theme: “Limitless: The Power of Becoming,” the ceremony celebrated the dedication, resilience and academic excellence of top-performing students across the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, Advanced Diploma in Business Administration, and Higher Certificate in Operations: Specialising in Project Management.
The programme was directed by Dr Sifiso Myeni, a Human Resource Management lecturer in the Faculty of Management Sciences.
Sharing on the theme, ‘Limitless: The Power of Becoming’, Dr Myeni spoke on the journey of the sterling students. “Each of these students has shown that with commitment, perseverance and a willingness to learn, they can continue to grow beyond what they may have thought possible.”
In his welcome address, Professor Pfano Mashau, Director of the DUT Business School, congratulated the top achievers and expressed his appreciation for their contribution to the growth and development of the Business School. Drawing on inspiring quotes, he highlighted the importance of excellence, commitment and perseverance in achieving success, while commending the students for the sacrifices and dedication that earned them a place among the top achievers.
“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up. These are the profound words of former President Nelson Mandela. Use what you have learnt to make better judgments. Through your education you have attained a weapon you can use to change the world,” said Prof Mashau.
He encouraged the students to use their knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact on society and contribute to the growth of the economy in the region, province and country.
The event was further enriched by an inspiring keynote address from Mr Mpilo Sibiya, Chief Director: Provincial ICT in the KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier and a proud DUT Business School alumnus. Having graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration during the 2026 Autumn Graduation as part of the Class of 2025, Sibiya encouraged the award recipients to embrace lifelong learning, lead with purpose and believe in the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.
Reflecting on his own professional journey, he said: “Behind your award is a story of hard work, resilience and sleepless nights. Looking at the theme of the event, ‘The Power of Becoming’, it makes me reflect on my own journey. None of us is a finished product. When my career started, I never thought that one day I would be the one responsible for looking at digital transformation in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. I didn’t know that I would represent KZN on national platforms when it comes to Information and Communications Technology (ICT).”
Sibiya urged the awardees to become “chasers of meaningful opportunities” rather than simply waiting for opportunities to come their way. He encouraged them to lead by creating opportunities for others, reminding them that someone had once opened a door for them.
He further emphasised that the success of the DUT Business School should not be measured solely by the number of students who graduate, but by who its graduates become and the impact they make in the world.
The top achievers in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme were Mpati Mojapelo, Sicelo Biyela, Thokozani Gumede and Nondumiso Tshiki, who also received the Research Excellence Award.
The top achievers in the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration were Phumlani Shinga, Nokuthula Madikizela, Thandukwazi Khuzwayo and Vimal Bishoon.
Leading the Advanced Diploma in Business Administration programme were Noxolo Fukufuku, Bhekumuzi Manqele and Ajesh Aheer.
In the Higher Certificate in Operations: Specialising in Project Management, the top achievers were Goodness Ngcobo, Vuyisile Dlamini and Wandile Cele.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Professor Simphiwe Nojiyeza, from the DUT Business School, expressed his excitement about the calibre of students the School attracts and produces.
Sharing a personal encounter, Prof Nojiyeza recalled visiting Nkandla Municipality to collect data and discovering that the Municipal Manager was an MBA student at the DUT Business School.
He congratulated all the award recipients on their exceptional achievements, noting that their success reflects the excellence, innovation and leadership that define the DUT Business School community.
Pictured: DUT Business School top achievers.
Photographer: Sandile Lushozi
Simangele Zuma
