Thokozani Khanyile, a 43-year-old from Umlazi, has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in her academic pursuits. Her journey at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) has been transformative, shaping her into a skilled professional with a passion for leadership and innovation.
Her academic path at DUT began with a Diploma in Management Sciences: Operations Management (2020-2022), followed by an Advanced Diploma in Management Sciences: Operations Management (2023). She is set to graduate with Cum Laude For her Postgraduate Diploma in Management Sciences: Business Administration in the upcoming DUT Autumn Graduation Ceremony, earmarked for Wednesday, 21 May 2025.
Balancing lectures, assignments, and family life was no easy feat. Khanyile faced numerous challenges, but her determination and perseverance paid off.
“My biggest challenges was academic pressure and perfectionism, the pressure to excel and surviving deadlines. Obsessing over perfection left little room for errors, as I turned pressure into progress,” said Khanyile.
Apart from being a full time Administrative Assistant at DUT, Khanyile is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA), driven by her passion for strategic impact and operational excellence. After finishing her Operations Management studies, she identified a knowledge gap in understanding the bigger picture of business. She wanted to bridge the gap between operational expertise and strategic leadership, prompting her to further studies in Business Administration. Her career aspirations include working in dynamic and multicultural environments.
“With my qualifications, I am hungry to work in dynamic, multicultural environments whether that is consulting internationally or leading cross-functional teams. I want to stay ahead of trends like digital transformation and sustainability while never losing sight of the human element behind every decision.
Khanyile’s advice to first-year students is to work smart, build systems, and prioritise self-care. She also emphasised the importance of staying focused and motivated, even in the face of challenges.
Her journey serves as an inspiration to many. Her children look up to her as a role model, and her achievements have instilled in them a desire to work hard and pursue their own goals.
Pictured: Thokozani Khanyile
Thubelihle Dumakude
