“My journey at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) was not difficult but instead it was a fruitful journey, the staff within the department of hospitality and tourism made it all possible,” said an ecstatic Nkosingiphile Trevor Mchunu.
The young lad who is from the Newcastle landbank farm obtained his Degree of Master of Management Sciences in Administration and Information Management at DUT’s 2024 Spring Graduation, which was held at the Durban Exhibition Centre on Thursday, 19 September 2024.
“My graduation marked the symbol of the greatest milestone of my qualification that I obtained,” he professed jubilantly.
Mchunu share on his journey of study which started from the Diploma level where he had enrolled for his National Diploma in Tourism Management, proceeding to his Advanced Diploma in Tourism Management.
“Due to low number of postgraduates from the department, they were unable to have a programme for postgraduates and I was then enrolled for my postgraduate studies in Management Sciences specialising in Business Administration. After completion of his postgraduate, he had enrolled for a Master of Management Sciences in Administration and Information Management.
In his dynamic journey, Mchunu expressed that thankfully he did not experience any challenges during his diploma level as he was very much active and always updated about his studies and the institution at large.
“The only time I started to face challenges is when I was applying for my master’s degree, my application was approved after six months of waiting and what was worse is as soon as you register even if it was midyear the institutional system will count that year as the full academic year,” he said.
For Mchunu, this was his choice of study after attending a lot of events that talks about SMALL, MEDIUM AND MICRO ENTERPRISES (SMMES).
“ I realised that there is a gap that need to be researched and be rectified, hence my study is about SMMEs under the topic “Exploring quality administration management practices on customer retention and satisfaction: case study of small medium micro enterprises at eThekwini metropolitan area.” This research aims at illustrating how quality administration management practices could be used to enhance operational performance as well as customer satisfaction and retention in such a setting,” he replied.
In the context of DUT’s ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, Mchunu indicated that respect aligns with his commitment to treating others with dignity, regardless of their background, opinions, or roles. “It motivates me to actively listen, engage in empathy, and consider diverse perspectives in decision-making processes. By upholding respect, I contribute to an inclusive culture where differences are celebrated, and everyone is empowered to contribute their best,” he shared.
Going forward, Mchunu is looking forward to embarking on his PhD studies, and he was provisional accepted for his Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences specialising in Hospitality and Tourism.
“My long-standing goal is to become a lecturer one day, contribute more of innovative knowledge and information to the industry. Have a great impact to the younger generation, especially those who will be enrolled under management sciences,” he explained.
His advice to any first-year student who want to embark on this qualification is to have passion and plans beyond the university.
“This qualification equips you not only with the skills and knowledge needed for employment but also with the skills to run your own business and become an employer. However, your success will depend on your dedication and commitment to your studies,” he said.
Pictured: Nkosingiphile Trevor Mchunu
Waheeda Peters
