Mzokuthula ‘Mzo’ Zulu (20) hails from the deep rural areas of Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal, currently completing his degree: Bachelor of Engineering Technology: Civil Engineering, at the Durban University of Technology (DUT).
Zulu says he started with his leadership roles from a young age. “I acquired my communications and leadership skills from workshops that I attended in High School. In my first year of arrival at DUT, I was appointed as a class representative, this was the beginning of my leadership journey at DUT,” said Zulu.
He came in ready to socialise within the leadership structures at DUT. At the age of 19 years he was voted as the Chairperson of House Committee at a DUT leased residence. It was in 2020 that he was voted by all DUT House Committee Chairpersons to become the President of the Central Housing Executive (CHC-E).
“I had never thought my little knowledge in leadership would take me to such a high position. The feeling was unreal, it was then that I had decided to up my game! Being in Leadership structures, you deal with different types of students, be it racially, psychologically, politically, students who identify as different genders. You can never attend to two different students in the same manner. I had to therefore teach myself fluidity, to ensure I am completely unbiased and stand for the truth and the rules of the institution at time. But, most importantly, I had to ensure that I do not lose my identity because the leader in me was linked with my identity,” he explained.
Zulu shared a word of advice for students who wish to be within the student’s leadership structures. “There is so much one can learn from taking part in the DUT leadership structures. You get to attend webinars that equip you in a way that your degree alone can never do. You get to network with people who share so much wisdom. I believe one should not limit themselves to the degree they are enrolled for at DUT. But, and that is big but, while doing so, do not forget the main reason you are at DUT, which is to get your qualification,” he said.
Pictured: Mzokuthula Zulu
Nikiwe Sukazi
