A popular driver at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Mr Landokwakhe Zakhele “Mageba” Zulu recently celebrated 38 years of service at the university.

Mageba, 59, from eShowe, joined DUT (then Natal Technikon) on 1 February 1988 as a canteen staff member under the Housing unit. Going down memory lane, Zulu, who will turn 60 on 20 May 2026, shared that at the time of his appointment there were only white students.

He was only 22 years old when he joined the DUT family. He indicated that even though he had started working during the apartheid era, his stay was pleasant, and he was well taken care of at the student canteen.

Seeing the transition of the university and the enrolment of African students at the university excited Mageba.

“I remember one year I was so happy to see a few black students at the university. Seeing the numbers grow year after year gave me hope for a better future for an African child. I am happy to say that one of my children is also a DUT student,” shared Mageba.

Mr Landokwakhe Zakhele “Mageba” Zulu has been a DUT driver for 30 years.

He joined the DUT Transport unit in 1996, where he continues to serve with commitment and excellence. Mageba shared that he was appointed as a driver after having worked as a temporary driver for a couple of years during weekends and night shifts.

“In 1996, Transport offered me a position as a driver. I had to get permission from my manager to shift from Housing to Transport. While working at the canteen, I used to work as a part-time driver at Transport, assisting on weekend and night shifts when there was a shortage of drivers. My manager was not happy to let me go, as I had served at the canteen with dedication. I made sure I did my job to the best of my ability, respecting my colleagues and students,” said Mageba.

Over the years as a driver, Mageba shared that he had learnt a lot and got to meet many people and visit different places. His highlight was the two-month travel with the DUT Energy truck travelling through the Western Cape. Even though it was exciting to see all those places, Mageba shared that he had to drive through some of the scariest roads.

“I had the pleasure of being driven by Mageba on my way to my interview for the DUT Communications Manager position after he came to fetch me at King Shaka International Airport. From the moment he picked me up, I could tell his professionalism and warmth. He made the journey comfortable and reassuring, which really eased my nerves before the interview. That is Mageba, always courteous, attentive, and committed,” said Mr Tiyani Mboweni, DUT Communications Manager.

Sharing similar sentiments was Mr Steven Mkhize, Student Transport Manager at DUT. He revealed that when he joined DUT, Mageba was the one who gave him proper guidance in understanding their internal clients.

“What stands out about him is his strong leadership skills, especially when it comes to office conflict resolution. I think this is because back home he is iGoso (the men’s leader). This title is challenging and is given to someone with strong leadership skills,” shared Mkhize.

Additionally Mkhize revealed that last year at Logistical Services they ran three anonymous internal living values voting systems and Mageba won all of them. Mkhize said the two values that stood out from everyone that voted for him, was commitment and excellence.

“If you look at his health and age, his age is contrary to his physical look, this is because on a daily basis he runs five kilo metres. I come across him every morning training, this tells you how disciplined he is at his age, when we know that younger people are unable to do so consistently. He has been one of my sources of inspiration at Logistical Services looking at the way he conducts himself and the way he respects his job. Congratulations to him on his 38 years of service at DUT,” reiterated Mkhize.

Keeping him going all these years is the respect for his job and always striving for excellence in all that he does. Mageba said that in his team, he is the eldest but, surprisingly, the hardest working. He mentioned that when he had started, he was guided by elder colleagues who emphasised the importance of being committed to his work. He aspires to impart the same knowledge to his younger colleagues.

Being treated well is what has kept him at DUT for all these years. For Mageba, it is important to be treated well and be in a good working environment. He is grateful to his former manager, Mr Mandla Ngcobo, for creating good memories for him. He commended the DUT community for the love and respect they have given him all these years.

He shared that he used to be a dedicated driver of the Student Representative Council (SRC) for many years, which came with its pros and cons. He also shared that he used to drive the Vice-Chancellors and Principals of the university. Being able to meet and engage with the distinguished academics and management at the university has been one of the things Mageba enjoys about his job.

To younger colleagues looking to serve DUT for many years to come, Mageba advised them to respect their job, stay out of trouble, and never take for granted the opportunity afforded to them by the university.

Quick Facts about Mageba:

1. He has three wives.
2. He is a father of 10 kids.
3. His favourite soccer team is AmaZulu FC.
4. His worst fear is disgraceful behaviour.
5. The one thing he loves the most is money.
6. His favourite car is a Toyota Hilux bakkie and he owns one.
7. His favourite colour is white.
8. The scariest moment in his life was in 2024 when he fell and injured himself while escaping a cow that tried to attack him, which led to his first hospitalisation.
9. He plans to continue serving DUT until age 65.
10. He keeps fit by running, which is his favourite sport.

Pictured: DUT’s longest serving driver, Mr Landokwakhe Zakhele “Mageba” Zulu.

Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.

Simangele Zuma