The Central Housing Executive (CHE) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is the executive body of the Central Housing Committee (CHC) and is responsible for leadership, administration, and advocacy within Student Housing and Residence Life residences. In 2022, Thabo Sphesihle Sikhakhane was elected as a president of CHE and where he represented all students in residences.
Sikhakhane, from Lindelani, a small township in Ntuzuma, proudly graduated at the Durban DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation ceremony on Monday, 26 May 2025 at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC) in Durban.
A 25-year-old’s journey at DUT began in 2020 with a Higher Certificate in Human Resources Management. He actively participated in institutional programmes, gaining experience and serving as a student leader in 2022. Recently, he was recognised as the top achieving student in the Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Management, receiving a prestigious award from his department.
When asked about the DUT living values and principles he resonates with, he emphasised compassion and excellence. “Compassion is something I try to live out every day, especially through my involvement in student affairs. I often find myself offering support and assistance to students, particularly those with disabilities. I believe that when students know someone genuinely cares about their well-being, it makes a real difference in their academic and personal growth,” he said.
He is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration at the Business School, with ambitious plans to continue his academic journey all the way to a Doctorate.
Besides him being over the moon with his achievement, his family were equally overjoyed. “They were incredibly proud and happy. It was a deeply emotional moment for all of us because they have walked this journey with me. Even though this is my third graduation, it never loses its meaning to them. My family feels honoured, and they see this as a testament to perseverance. Being the first in my family to go this far in education, I have become a role model to my younger siblings, which motivates me to keep pushing forward,” said Sikhakhane.
Currently, he is employed as an Administrator in the Student Academic Support and Development Unit under the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching. Additionally, he serves as a Residence Advisor at Ocean Diamond Acutt under Student Housing and Residence Life. He stated that both roles have given him the opportunity to directly support students and to contribute to their academic and personal development.
Sikhakhane advised first-year students to be open minded and resilient, stating that the journey would not always go as planned, but every experience contributes to growth. He encouraged them to take initiative, ask questions, and seek support when needed, whether academic or emotional. He also emphasised building strong relationships with mentors and peers, Nelson Mandela’s quote that says education is the most powerful weapon to change the world and encouraged students to let that guide them.
One of his favorite Bible quotes is Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. He finds inspiration in these words, reminding him to trust in God’s strength and guidance.
Pictured: Thabo Sphesihle Sikhakhane
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
