Bagging an NQF Level 8 qualification has been fulfilling for Ntethelelo Mondli Sibiya who is employed as a Research Administrator under the Research and Postgraduate Support unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). He will be obtaining his Postgraduate Diploma in Management Accounting at the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony, which will be held at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban on May 2025.
The 27-year-old Sibiya from Hluhluwe in KwaZulu-Natal is passionate about finance and education. He believes in continuously striving for excellence both professionally and personally. Last year, he graduated Cum Laude and was honoured with the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award for academic excellence for his Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting. He is currently registered for his Master’s in Accounting. Sibiya feels privileged to be part of the DUT community and aims to keep progressing academically.
“My academic journey at the DUT began in 2017 when I enrolled for the National Diploma in Financial Accounting. In 2023, I progressed to complete the Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting, where I graduated Cum Laude and was honoured with the Dean’s Merit Award in recognition of my academic excellence. In 2024, I took on a new challenge by pursuing the Postgraduate Diploma in Management Accounting, which I am proud to be graduating from this year. I’ve also recently registered for my Masters in Accounting, which I commenced this year,” shared Sibiya.
He believes his passion for accounting and finance has always been a strong driving force for his academic success. He indicated that he is particularly fascinated by the strategic aspect of Management Accounting, which he feels empowers professionals to influence key business decisions.
“I’ve always aspired to make a meaningful impact in the field, and furthering my studies has been an essential step in that direction. My ultimate goal is to pursue a PhD in Accounting as part of my long-term academic and professional development. In parallel, also working towards achieving the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation through CIMA. I aim to be a leading voice in the financial sector, contributing to both industry and academia,” added Sibiya.
He is currently employed as a Research Administrator within the Grants Management Division in the Research & Postgraduate Support Office at DUT. His responsibilities include the administrative oversight of research grants, ensuring compliance with institutional and funding body requirements, managing documentation, coordinating disbursements, and providing support to researchers throughout the grant lifecycle.
“One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing the demands of work, academic deadlines, and family responsibilities. There were times when I had to sacrifice rest and leisure to meet expectations in all areas. I overcame these challenges by creating a structured schedule, setting priorities, and leaning on the support of my family and mentors,” shared Sibiya on how he juggled work, studies and family duties.
His advice to aspiring students is to define a clear vision for their goals and create a roadmap to achieve them and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth while staying committed to their goals. Sibiya believes academic success requires consistency, hard work, and the belief that education can truly transform one’s life. He said the students should be bold, be focused, and never lose sight of their purpose.
He expressed his gratitude to DUT for creating an environment that encourages growth, both academically and professionally. Being able to study and work within the same institution has been a deeply rewarding experience for Sibiya and he is looking forward to what the future holds as he continue his journey.
Pictured: DUT Research Administrator, Ntethelelo Mondli Sibiya who is looking forward to obtaining his NQF Level 8 at the upcoming DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation.
Simangele Zuma
