Inspiring excellence in leadership while leading by example Zethembiso Ntombela (34), who is a District Manager at eThekwini Municipality Recreation and Parks Directorate, graced the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Spring Graduation stage with pride after graduating Cum Laude for her Postgraduate Diploma in Management Sciences in Business Administration. She obtained her qualification on Friday, 19 September 2025 at Olive Convention Centre (OCC) in Durban.
Hailing from the Northern part of KwaZulu-Natal, in a township called Esikhawini, currently residing in Glenmore, Durban, Ntombela saw her spring graduation as the universal sign associated with renewal, growth, and rebirth. She believed that this made the perfect metaphorical backdrop for graduating, as it powerfully symbolised one stepping into a new chapter of life, full of potential and fresh starts.
For her, this attainment was not just about intellectual capability; it was a testament to superior time management, unwavering focus, and a profound commitment that enabled her to achieve a milestone that was a monumental challenge.
To strive for excellence while managing the responsibilities of a district manager was remarkable. It exemplified a true test of character, discipline, and resilience.
“Do not see your job as a hindrance to your studies, but as a partner in your development. It teaches you discipline, provides structure, and fuels your ambition,’’ she explained.
She began her journey at DUT in 2011 as a horticulture student and graduated in 2014. Nine years later, she rejoined DUT again for a one-year programme at the DUT Business School, which focuses on reinforcing advanced theoretical concepts and applying them in core business functions. She graduated in 2024. Right after, she pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Sciences in Business Administration, which has made a huge impact in her life as she was a class representative in her class.
Being a class rep, group leader, and a student was a challenge for Ntombela. She had to understand everything in advance so she could deal with students’ queries. However, as a born leader with the ability to multitask, she was able to treat every student with respect and explain concepts clearly until they understood.
Currently, Ntombela is a District Manager at eThekwini Municipality Parks and Recreation Directorate. Her duties include operational management, service delivery, and financial and administrative management. Also, strategic planning implementation and stakeholder engagement communication.
She sees integrity as the foundational value that binds all the others together. She said it is more than just honesty. She believes that it is about unwavering consistency in one’s actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations, and outcomes.
“It is the internal compass that ensures you do the right thing, even when no one is watching. It serves as the core ethical engine that powers and validates the other four values. It ensures that DUT’s journey toward 2030 is not only successful but also principled and worthy of respect,’’ she described.
She also highlighted that she intends to further her studies. She aspires to become a more effective, reliable, and trustworthy tool for empowerment.
To first-year students, Ntombela said, “Do not forget the promises you gave your family when you left home to study. They are a motivation to do well on the academic journey. Once you have completed your diploma, further your studies in Business Administration, as it accommodates all sectors and equips one with all the tools required in both public and private sectors,’’ she added.
Pictured: Zethembiso Ntombela.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.
Vukani Langa
