Determination, discipline, and a willingness to embrace growth have earned Bonisiwe Mbatha a significant academic milestone. After successfully completing her Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration within a year, Mbatha is set to graduate at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2026 Autumn Graduation Ceremony, to be held at the Olive Convention Centre on Monday, 25 May 2026.
“I am very excited and proud of myself for completing the programme within one year, despite the many responsibilities I had. It was a leap of faith, and I am grateful that I took it. I look forward to celebrating this milestone with my family, especially my parents and my daughter, who have been my biggest supporters,” she said.
Bonisiwe Mbatha.
Originally from Ulundi, Mbatha joined DUT in August 2024 as part of the Real Estate Management team under the Logistics Unit, within the Fleet Management section. Coming from the corporate sector, she found the transition into an institutional environment quite different. However, her previous experience at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), where she worked while building her career in the transport industry, helped ease the adjustment.
“When I joined DUT, there were significant gaps in Fleet Management, and the unit was undergoing restructuring. There was a need to establish clear policies, guidelines, and an operational structure. While implementing change comes with challenges, part of my role was to bring stability and structure to the unit,” she explained.
In 2025, she enrolled for a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration at the DUT Business School. Balancing work, studies, and family life proved demanding.
“I attended classes from Monday to Saturday, from 17:30 to 20:00, and Saturdays from 08:00 to 14:00. This required discipline, time management, and sacrifice. Despite the challenges, and with support from my colleagues and classmates, I remained committed and successfully completed the programme,” she said.
Mbatha believes strongly in DUT’s values, which she says align closely with her own principles of accountability and commitment. In recognition of her dedication, she received an Appreciation Award from the Faculty of Management Sciences in December 2025.
“This recognition affirmed my commitment to supporting not only my unit but also other departments. I will continue to uphold these values in both my professional and personal life,” she added.
Her family has been a key source of motivation throughout her journey.
“My father often jokes that once I set my mind on something, nothing can change it. Initially, he was concerned because I had just started a new role, but he later became one of my biggest supporters. Overall, my family is very proud of this achievement,” she said.
Mbatha also holds a Degree in Business Administration specialising in Transport, and her postgraduate qualification aligns with her long-term goals in the transport and logistics sector. She is currently registered for a Master of Business Administration (MBA), focusing on Transport Globalisation and Sustainability.
“My goal is to grow within the transport and logistics industry. I am passionate about cars and transport systems, and I aim to contribute meaningfully to the sector—perhaps even becoming a Transport Minister one day,” she said with a smile.
Currently serving as a Fleet Management Services Manager at DUT, Mbatha has recently developed and secured approval for a Fleet Management Policy that will guide operations long term.
“My role involves ensuring operational efficiency, managing assets, and contributing to sustainability by reducing carbon emissions. I also work closely with management to align fleet strategies with DUT’s broader institutional goals,” she explained.
She envisions the DUT Fleet Unit operating as a fully centralised and efficient system, where departments lease vehicles internally rather than relying on external providers.
“I aim to build a fleet that can fully support institutional operations while contributing to long-term environmental and operational goals,” she said.
Encouraging future students, Mbatha emphasised the importance of dedication and continuous learning.
“To succeed in this field, you need commitment and a willingness to learn across all transport modes. Develop strong technical knowledge and understand how transport systems impact people’s daily lives. Stay focused, work hard, and be open to growth opportunities,” she concluded.
Pictured: Fleet Management Services Manager at DUT, Bonisiwe Mbatha.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.
Waheeda Peters
