It was a milestone moment when the Social Welfare Officer of the Student Representative Council at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Otto Pupuma, obtained her Diploma in Public Administration specialising in Supply Chain Management at the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony. The ceremony took place at the DUT Indumiso campus in Pietermaritzburg on Monday, 12 May 2025.

The 22-year-old Pupuma, who is originally from Nqamakwe in the Eastern Cape, was excited to walk the graduation stage to be awarded her first qualification. She is currently pursuing her Advanced Diploma in Public Administration specialising in Supply Chain Management, at DUT.

As the SRC Social Welfare Officer at DUT, her duties include promoting student safety, welfare, inclusivity, mental health support and community engagement. She was the initiator of the PadHerEmpower initiative that is hosted annually. This initiative advocates, supports and promotes the well-being of the female students at DUT .

Sharing her thoughts on her graduation,  she said was filled with a deep sense of pride, gratitude, and excitement. “Graduating represented the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and perseverance, especially balancing academic responsibilities with my role as an SRC Social and Welfare Officer. It was a moment to celebrate not just my personal achievement but also, the support from family, friends and mentors who had encouraged me along the way,” shared Pupuma.

Her mother, Mawabo Pumuma (42) was emotional, watching her daughter being celebrated for her achievement. She was proud of her daughter for following in the footsteps of her older brother.

“As a young mother, I am proud of seeing my children progressing academically and being able to achieve things that I was unable to achieve. To be honest, I didn’t want her to be part of the SRC as I feared that it might distract her from her studies. However, she proved me wrong. I am so proud of her and she has grown to become a great leader,” shared the mother.

The SRC member said she saw her graduation as a steppingstone towards new opportunities in her career and personal growth.

Amongst the DUT Living Values, Pupuma said she mostly associated with integrity. She admitted that it guided her to be honest and ethical in all her actions, both as a student and an SRC member.

“I also value accountability, as taking responsibility for my duties and decisions has been crucial in effectively serving the student body and achieving positive outcomes,” added Pupuma.

As a student and SRC member, Pupuma said she faced challenges balancing academic demands with leadership responsibilities, often managing tight schedules and high expectations from both peers and the university. Navigating conflicts and ensuring effective communication between students and administration also tested her problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Despite these challenges, she remained committed to serving her fellow students and growing personally and professionally.

Her future plans include pursuing a PhD in Business Administration, as she is passionate about deepening her expertise and contributing to the field through research and leadership. Furthering her education, Pupuma feels it will help her to  make a greater impact in both her career and the wider business community.

“My career aims are to build a strong foundation in supply chain management and public administration, leveraging my education and SRC experience to take on leadership roles in the business sector. I aspire to work in organisations where I can improve operational efficiency, promote ethical practices and contribute to sustainable growth. Ultimately, I aim to become a respected business leader or consultant, driving innovation and positive change within the industry.”

Pictured: DUT Social Welfare Officer, Otto Pupuma on her graduation day.

Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.

Simangele Zuma