Mondli Mkhize, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduate and Doctor of Accounting student at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), is applying his business knowledge and entrepreneurial experience to develop StudentJunxion, a platform designed to connect students with essential services, information and opportunities.
The 30-year-old entrepreneur, who grew up in a rural community in Scottburgh, KwaZulu-Natal, identified an opportunity to make the student experience more convenient by bringing services that are often scattered across different platforms into one accessible digital space.
“Having experienced student life myself, I recognised that accessing information and services can be challenging when everything is spread across different platforms. I wanted to create a space where students could find academic support, accommodation, transport, shopping and career opportunities in one place,” said Mondli.
His journey into entrepreneurship began in 2018, while he was completing his undergraduate studies. After a friend suggested starting a business, Mondli began researching business compliance and discovered that aspiring entrepreneurs often needed guidance with registering and establishing their businesses.
He subsequently started offering business compliance services and, in 2021, formally established a company specialising in business compliance, registration, bookkeeping and business training.
Mondli holds a National Diploma in Accounting, a BTech in Cost and Management Accounting and an MBA from DUT. His academic journey has equipped him with business and management knowledge that he applies to practical challenges, including the development of entrepreneurial ventures.
StudentJunxion is being developed as a student-focused ecosystem serving learners in Grades 10 to 12, TVET college students, university students and first-time job seekers. Its planned services include tutoring, examination preparation, Admission Point Score (APS) calculators, career guidance, private student accommodation and affordable transport options.
The platform also seeks to create opportunities for young entrepreneurs through initiatives such as Uni-Eats, an ordering system intended to support student-run food businesses.
According to Mondli, the platform’s distinguishing feature is its intention to bring together services that address students’ everyday needs, with convenience, access, connection and wellbeing at the centre of its offering.
Developing StudentJunxion has reinforced his understanding that turning an idea into a sustainable business requires more than technology. It also demands strategic planning, financial management, compliance, partnerships, marketing and a willingness to respond to users’ needs.
“Having an MBA from the DUT Business School has helped me approach business holistically by understanding how strategy, finance, marketing, operations, people and technology work together. I apply this knowledge to StudentJunxion by considering the business model, costs, revenue, partnerships, risks and long-term sustainability,” he explained.
His academic journey at DUT has also shaped his personal and professional development. Coming from a rural background, he credits the University with exposing him to diverse people, perspectives and opportunities while strengthening his discipline, critical thinking and confidence.
His decision to pursue a doctorate reflects a desire to contribute to knowledge and investigate challenges affecting businesses, particularly how financial and management practices can support more sustainable enterprises. He sees academic study and entrepreneurship as complementary pursuits, with research encouraging evidence-based thinking and practical experience offering opportunities to apply knowledge.
“My academic journey taught me how to understand problems. My professional journey taught me how organisations work. Entrepreneurship has given me the opportunity to apply that knowledge to create solutions,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mondli aims to establish StudentJunxion as a leading student-focused platform in South Africa, beginning in KwaZulu-Natal before expanding nationally and eventually into other African markets. His vision is to connect students with institutions, businesses, accommodation providers, educators, employers and other service providers through trusted partnerships and accessible services.
He encourages aspiring student entrepreneurs to embrace education while developing an entrepreneurial mindset.
“Entrepreneurship starts with identifying problems, understanding people’s needs, testing ideas and continuously learning from setbacks. Education and entrepreneurship can complement each other. A degree provides knowledge and opportunities, while an entrepreneurial mindset helps you turn that knowledge into practical solutions and meaningful impact,” he said.
Through StudentJunxion, Mondli hopes to simplify the student journey by improving access to information, services and opportunities. His journey illustrates how business education, professional experience and entrepreneurial thinking can come together in the pursuit of practical solutions to everyday challenges.
Pictured: Mondli Mkhize, DUT MBA graduate and founder of StudentJunxion engaging with high school learners.
Photo: Supplied
Simangele Zuma
