From the quiet rural village of Ndulinde in Mandeni to the lecture halls of Durban University of Technology (DUT) and the bustling production floors of Essity in Pinetown, Nokukhanya Biyela has journeyed through diverse paths each step fuelled by her unwavering commitment to growth, excellence, and making a meaningful impact in the world around her.
Biyela proudly graduated Cum Laude with an Advanced Diploma in Management Sciences in Quality from DUT’s 2025 Autumn Graduation ceremony held at Olive Convention Centre on Wednesday, 21 May 2025. This significance milestone reflects her dedication to academic excellence, professional development, and personal resilience.
Biyela is currently working as a Quality Assurance/Project Engineer at Essity, a global hygiene and health company formerly known as BSN Medical. Her career in quality management spans over seven years, but her academic background initially took a very different route. She holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work a field that taught her empathy, structure, and discipline.
“After completing my master’s degree, I joined Essity in 2017. As I grew in the Quality Department, I developed a genuine interest in quality systems and project engineering, it only made sense to formalise my knowledge with a qualification that aligned with my day-to-day work,” she said.
That decision led her to DUT in 2023, where she applied for the Advanced Diploma in Management Sciences in Quality. She was accepted and officially registered in 2024. Fortunately, her employer offer an Education Scheme Bursary, which helped finance her tuition and allowed her to focus fully on succeeding in her studies.
Balancing full-time work, motherhood, and academic responsibilities was not easy for Biyela but she managed and excelled. Biyela stated that she is a mother to two young daughters, Kwakhanya and Khethelo, and managing her time between family obligations, work projects, and academic assignments required grit, sacrifice, and support.
“There were days when I was exhausted. I would come home after a full day at work and still have assignments to complete, projects to prepare, and tests to study for, what kept me going was knowing why I started. I wanted this qualification to grow professionally and to show my daughters the value of perseverance,” she explained.
A key contributor to her success was her mother, who stepped in as a primary support system by helping take care of the children during her busiest periods.
“My mom has been my rock. She understood my vision and sacrificed so much of her time so I could pursue this dream. I owe this achievement to her support,” she added.
Despite being away from formal studies for several years, Biyela excelled in the programme, achieving an 80% average and earning Cum Laude recognition. Her diligence and attention to detail are not only reflected in her academic work but also in her professional approach core attributes she believes are central to success in Quality Management.
Among DUT’s Living Values and Principles, she resonates with is excellence.
“Excellence means doing things right, the first time, every time. That is how I approach my work in Quality through consistency, precision, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Quality is not just about compliance, it is about integrity, accountability, and delivering value,” said Biyela.
Biyela’s achievement was met with joy and pride from her family. As she walks with pride at the stage. Buyela’s plans to pursue further studies and eventually contribute to research and academia, bringing together her background in social work and her current career in quality. She also hopes to explore Quality Management roles in other industries, expanding her knowledge beyond the medical devices sector where she currently works.
“I have seen the impact of quality in manufacturing and healthcare, but I would love to explore its role in other sectors like automotive, agriculture, or education. There is so much to learn and apply,” elaborated.
To young students, especially those considering a career in Quality Management, Biyela offers heartfelt advice:
“If you are someone who thrives on structure, enjoys solving problems, and values precision, this is the right field for you. But be prepared to work hard, stay focused, and commit to lifelong learning. Excellence does not happen by chance it is a decision you make every day,” she commented.
Pictured: Nokukhanya Biyela
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Sinamile Sithole
