From the quiet hills of Lochiel in Mpumalanga Province to the highest office in student governance at the Durban University of Technology, Sihle Buthumelo Nkosi rises as the newly elected SRC President for the 2025–2027 term. His journey is marked by discipline, humility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Now completing his final year in Internal Auditing, he stands as proof of what is possible when academic brilliance meets servant leadership.
Raised in Lochiel, Nkosi began his schooling at Lochiel Primary School and Sisukumile Secondary School. These early years shaped him into a young man grounded in responsibility, compassion, and a desire to uplift others. When he joined DUT in 2022, he had no idea he would one day become one of the institution’s most influential student leaders.
His leadership journey began in 2023 as a House Committee member, where his dedication quickly stood out. That same year, he received an Exemplary Student Leadership Award, all while maintaining an impressive 75% average. His integrity and strong work ethic paved the way for his election as SRC Finance Officer for the 2023–2025 term, a role he fulfilled with excellence.
In 2024, Nkosi was honoured once again with an Exemplary Student Leadership Award under the #ENVISION2030 Institutional Awards. By 2025, as he completed his term as Finance Officer, his academic achievements soared even higher. He earned first place in the Diploma in Internal Auditing ECP Level 4 and consistently maintained an average above 75%, placing him on track for a potential cum laude.
Nkosi’s story is one of balance, vision, and purpose. He demonstrates that leadership is never an excuse for academic decline; instead, it should strengthen discipline and character.
Now stepping into the presidency, his vision for DUT is clear and deeply aligned with the institution’s values.
“My goal is to build a leadership rooted in humanity and guided by DUT’s lived values. We must create a cohesive and inclusive environment where students thrive academically, socially and personally. The DUT way, its culture and identity must be shaped by us as students,” he added.
As President, his aim is to strengthen unity within the SRC, increase student participation in institutional committees, and ensure that every student’s voice is respected, protected, and empowered.
He extends heartfelt gratitude to the student body: “Thank you for placing your trust in me. Thank you for believing that leadership grounded in integrity, excellence and humanity is possible. I will continue to serve with dedication and honesty.”
To students facing academic, financial, or personal struggles, Nkosi offers words of encouragement: “You are not behind. You are growing. Growth is not always perfect. Sometimes it looks like surviving, adapting and rising again. Seek support where you need it, and remember your story is still unfolding, and it is a story worth telling.”
Nkosi also shared his plans for 2026, emphasising that the SRC’s commitment to students continues even during recess. “As the SRC, our work does not pause when classes do, during the break, we will continue engaging with various departments and university offices to ensure that student concerns especially those related to funding, accommodation, and academic support are addressed,” he expressed.
Congratulations to Sihle Buthumelo Nkosi, SRC President for 2025–2027; for his leadership does not simply fill a position it sets a standard for others to follow.
Pictured: SRC president, Sihle Buthumelo Nkosi.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Tiyani Mboweni
