The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Business School proudly celebrated the exceptional achievements of its students during a prestigious awards ceremony held on Thursday, 31 July 2025, at the DUT Hotel School, Ritson campus in Durban.
The event was a grand occasion dedicated to recognising students for their academic excellence, unwavering dedication, and contribution to the reputation and growth of the Business School.
Welcoming esteemed guests and recipients, Professor Melanie Lourens, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences at DUT, set the tone for the evening with a heartfelt message of congratulations. She reflected on the DUT Business School’s remarkable journey over the past four years, noting its accelerated growth and rising prominence at both national and international levels.
Prof Lourens emphasised the school’s commitment to teaching excellence, industry partnerships, and DUT’s ENVISION 2030 strategy. “We want the DUT Business School to be a home away from home for industry,” she said.
She also acknowledged the dedication of MBA students, describing all DUT students as bundles of joy who hold a special place in the faculty. Prof Lourens further credited the Executive Dean: Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Fulufhelo Netswera for his role in the school’s success.
Keynote speaker Nhlakanipho Nkontwana, Head of Department for KZN Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and DUT Business School Advisory Board Member, delivered a powerful address under the theme “The Role of Transformative Leadership in Building Ethical, People-Centred Communities.”
He began by acknowledging the urgent need for visionary and ethical leadership in a time of social and economic uncertainty. Drawing from the province’s guiding vision of resilience, inclusive growth, and economic transformation, he stressed that transformative leadership requires not only innovation and foresight but also a deep commitment to serving others. Referencing Nelson Mandela’s model of servant leadership, he encouraged students to lead with humility, empower their communities, and become agents of ethical change.
Nkontwana highlighted the importance of youth empowerment and inclusive development, describing young people as key drivers of future growth. He shared provincial efforts to equip youth with digital, green economy, and marine industry skills through initiatives like the Moses Kotane Institute and emphasised the role of women entrepreneurs in building resilient communities. He also announced a strategic partnership between KwaZulu-Natal and Italy’s Navigo marine cluster, aimed at developing the province’s boatbuilding sector. Closing his address, Nkontwana reminded students that true leadership is rooted in ethics, accountability, and inclusivity, urging them to carry these values forward as they shape people-centred, thriving communities.
DUT alumna, Sibongekile Madlopha, an Accountant at uMhlathuze Local Municipality and DUT Business School Advisory Board Member, delivered a heartfelt keynote address under the theme “Celebrating Growth Through Resilience and Academic Excellence-A Journey from DUT Business School to Professional Success.” Reflecting on her own academic journey, Madlopha emphasised that education is a lifelong pursuit and the foundation of meaningful success. She encouraged students to remain committed to their goals, to keep pushing boundaries, and to embrace further learning opportunities. Her message was one of perseverance, reminding graduates that with resilience and determination, they too can rise from the lecture halls of DUT to professional leadership roles.
His Excellency Sibongiseni Mageza Mbambo, Royal Chancellor of the Zulu Nation, delivered an inspiring keynote address under the theme “Rooted in Purpose and Driven by Impact.” He began by celebrating the academic achievements of the Class of 2024, commending DUT’s Business School for recognising future leaders who have excelled despite a world filled with uncertainty. Extending warm wishes from His Majesty King Jesus of Nazareth II and the Royal Family, Mbambo reflected on the vital role education plays in shaping society and advancing shared prosperity.
He praised business schools as not just academic institutions, but as powerful catalysts for inclusive development and entrepreneurship. He urged graduates to reflect on their purpose and the impact they wish to make, noting that leadership today requires clarity, conviction, and a sense of responsibility to the broader community.
In addressing the complex realities of the modern world from geopolitical instability and global inflation to climate change and technological disruption Mbambo reminded graduates that they are entering a global economy still recovering from COVID-19 and facing challenges like trade wars, environmental crises, and rising living costs. These realities, he said, demand leaders who are not only aware of global trends but also able to respond with innovation and resilience. He emphasised that we live in a borderless, tech-driven world where artificial intelligence and digital transformation are rapidly reshaping industries. In such a world, future business leaders must think globally, act locally, and build companies that can adapt to fast-changing global dynamics. His final message to the graduates was a powerful call to lead with purpose, remain rooted in values, and strive to leave a lasting, people-centered impact on their communities and the world.
One of the award recipients, Mahlatshe Mphahlele, was honoured with multiple accolades, including first place in the Higher Certificate in Operations Management in Project Management, as well as the Top Student Award across all programmes at the Business School. Expressing his gratitude, Mphahlele shared his excitement about the recognition, saying it felt rewarding to have his hard work acknowledged. “Operations and project management were part of my journey toward self-development, my background in mechanical engineering and interest in structured methodology guided me here. This recognition is a step forward,” he explained.
Mphahlele is eager to continue his academic journey. “The Business School has created a platform that empowers us to grow knowledge truly is power. This is good news for me, it is a huge relief and a motivation to keep going. I definitely plan to pursue an MBA and beyond. Once you start a programme like this, you begin to realise just how much more you can achieve. That is the power of institutions like this,” said Mphahlele.
Dr Sean Jughoman, Head Executive Education delivered the closing remarks on behalf of the Director of DUT Business school Professor Pfano Mashau, he congratulated the graduates and award recipients, urging them to lead with humility, stay rooted in purpose, and carry forward the values of DUT Business School. “This is not the end, but the beginning of your journey to make an impact in your professions, communities, and the world,” he said.
He thanked the keynote speakers for their inspiring messages, His Excellency the Royal Chancellor for his presence, and the Programme Director and staff for their dedication. In closing, he reminded everyone that “Excellence must be a lifestyle, not a destination. You are proof that it comes from vision, sacrifice, and hard work.”
Categories and awardees
Categories 1 for Master of Business Administration
2nd place- Shazi Thabisile
2nd place- Mthethwa Bhekefini
1st place- Ndlazi Mirriam
Post Graduate in Management Sciences Business Administration
3rd place- Sewpersadh Reshma
2nd place- Naidoo Charmaine
1st place- Singh Vikesh
Advance Diploma in Management Sciences Business Administration
3rd place- Dlamini Kwakhona
2nd place- Naidoo Nicolina
1st place- Maharaj Avikar
High Certificate in Operation Management in Project Management
3rd place- Yaka Mazwi
2nd place-Gumede Michael
1st place- Mphahlele Mahlatse
Category 2 (Research Award)
Master of Business Administration
2nd place- Shazi Thabisile
2nd place- Sibisi Christopher
1st place- Ndlazi Mirriam
Category 3 for Top Student Across All Programmes
Mphahlele Mahlatse
Caption: Awards recipients, DUT Business School Advisory Board Members, His Excellency The Royal Chancellor of the Zulu Nation Mr Sibongiseni Mageza Mbambo and the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Melanie Lourens celebrating student excellence.
Photographer: Thalente Cele
Sinamile Sithole
