The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is celebrating the outstanding achievements of four young South Africans connected to the University who have been recognised among the 2026 Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans.
The recognition highlights their contributions across research and innovation, entrepreneurship, healthcare, leadership and community development, reflecting the diverse ways in which young people connected to DUT are making a meaningful contribution to society.
Among those recognised is 31 year old Ms Nomthandazo Sibiya-Dlomo, a lecturer, researcher and PhD student in DUT’s Department of Chemical Engineering. She was named in the Climate, Environment and Energy category for her work focused on sustainable and environmentally friendly water treatment technologies.
Her research explores the use of modified agricultural waste, including sugarcane, banana and orange residues, as natural adsorbents to remove heavy metal contaminants from wastewater systems.
Nomthandazo described the recognition as a deeply emotional and humbling milestone. Having been selected from more than 3 000 applications, she views the recognition as an important step towards her ambition of becoming a leading scholar whose work makes an impact nationally and internationally.
She says the accolade is not only a personal achievement, but also reflects the support of her family, mentors, colleagues and DUT.
“This is a reflection of the university’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and societal impact. It highlights the quality of researchers and academics being developed within the institution and showcases DUT as a university that nurtures talent capable of making meaningful contributions to society,” she said.
At just 21 years old, second year Diploma in ICT: Application Development student Keaton Andrew Manilall has also earned national recognition in the Entrepreneurship category.
Keaton is the Co-Founder and Director of Venditori, a creative agency specialising in web design, development, digital marketing and high end commercial media production.
What began as a venture in 2022 was formally registered as an agency in January 2025. Since then, Venditori has executed campaigns for major corporate clients, including Blupool South Africa and Mercedes Benz Umhlanga.
For Keaton, entrepreneurship and his studies complement each other. The technical skills he gains through his ICT qualification, including software development, database design and programming, are directly applied to the digital solutions he develops for clients.
He is also a registered member of DUT’s Centre for Social Entrepreneurship rapid incubator, which he says has provided valuable support, networking opportunities and a recognised university ecosystem in which to grow his business.
Being named among the Mail & Guardian Top 200 was a “massive honour” for Keaton and an important validation of the hard work involved in building a business while studying.
“Do not wait until you graduate to start building. Entrepreneurship is less about your age and more about trying until you succeed. Start small, build a strong team around you, and do not be afraid to pitch your services to established companies,” advised Keaton.
Londeka Mshayisa, 22, has been recognised for his achievements in healthcare, leadership and professional development in the Health and Wellness category.
A Cum Laude graduate in Clinical Technology from DUT, Londeka also received a Dean’s Merit Award for academic excellence. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree, with ambitions of completing a PhD.
As a clinical technologist at Universal Renal Care South Africa, Londeka provides life sustaining dialysis treatment to patients with kidney disease while contributing to the effective operation of healthcare services.
His leadership potential saw him become the first employee selected for the company’s Management in Training programme, through which he helps oversee operations across three dialysis clinics.
Beyond his clinical responsibilities, Londeka serves as Education and Development Coordinator for the South African Clinical Technology Association, where he champions professional development and mentors students entering the profession.
At 25, Ntuthuko Andile Nzuza is demonstrating how leadership, financial stewardship and community service can create tangible opportunities for young people. He was recognised in the Politics and Governance category.
As a BRICS Student Commission Treasurer, Ntuthuko oversees finances, manages budgets, monitors income and expenditure, prepares financial reports, supports fundraising initiatives and helps ensure that resources are allocated transparently to student led projects and community programmes.
When students at DUT were left without National Student Financial Aid Scheme funding, Ntuthuko organised food parcels and helped secure alternative funding, ensuring that affected students had access to meals while continuing their studies.
Inspired by the example of former President Nelson Mandela, Ntuthuko believes success should be measured by the number of lives one positively influences.
The recognition of these four young South Africans underscores the diverse ways in which young people connected to DUT are contributing to society through research, entrepreneurship, healthcare, leadership and community service.
Their achievements also reinforce DUT’s commitment to developing adaptive graduates who can make a meaningful contribution locally, nationally and internationally.
Pictured: DUT achievers Keaton Manillal, Londeka Mshayisa, Nomthandazo Sibiya-Dlomo and Ntuthuko Nzuza who were recognised among the 2026 Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans.
Simangele Zuma
