For the past few years, Ms Bongiwe Chiliza has been diligently leading the procession at the Durban University of Technology graduation ceremonies.  However, this afternoon, (27 May 2023) the procession had to go on without her as it was her big day. Ms Chiliza graduated for her Postgraduate Diploma in Management Sciences: Business Administration at the DUT 2023 Autumn Graduation held at the Olive Convention Centre.

She is a dedicated staff member of DUT, working as the Executive Secretary of the Senior Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Alan Khan. She has been working for this unit for over 12 years and has enjoyed every moment of it.

Her desire to better herself led her to enrol for her Postgraduate Diploma. The mother of two young boys is relieved that she managed to successfully complete her studies despite her demanding work and home schedule.

“Studying and working full time can be very challenging and there is no recipe for balancing work and studies. However, it is possible with determination and commitment. My first step before registering for my studies was to inform Mr Khan of my desire to further my studies and upgrade myself. He was in full support, and I am grateful to him for his support throughout my academic journey,” explained Ms Chiliza.

According to Ms Chiliza what helped her juggle both work and studies was planning and managing her time wisely.

Giving insight on her journey at DUT, Ms Chiliza said: “I have been with DUT for more than 15 years. During this period, I managed to achieve three qualifications, a National Diploma in Office Management and Technology, Advanced Diploma in Public Relations and now a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration. I started working for Corporate Affairs in 2008 as an intern and had a chance to work at the Faculty of Arts and Design for six months before coming back to Corporate Affairs. At that time my supervisor was Zama Hlengwa and she helped me a lot and taught me many things. She pushed me to further my studies and groomed me to be who I am today. I am very grateful to her for all her support and guidance. I became permanent at Corporate Affairs in 2011.”

Speaking about her feelings after gracing the graduation stage, she said she became emotional as she thought of her late father and how proud he would have been to see her on that stage. She is grateful to her mother and siblings for all their patience, understanding and support on her journey to better herself.

“It was also great to be on the other side of the procession today. I am always inspired when I see young people graduating. I hope one day I can also graduate with a red gown and be conferred with a PhD. I owe it to myself, kids, and family to succeed in life. I was overwhelmed by the support I received from my colleagues. Thank you to everyone who made my day a huge success,” reiterated Ms Chiliza.

Her desire is for her qualification to open better opportunities for her in the future as she does not plan to be the Executive Secretary for the rest of her life.

Pictured: DUT staff member, Ms Bongiwe Chiliza.

Simangele Zuma