The 24-year-old entrepreneur, Nonkanyiso Msomi celebrated a major milestone after graduating at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) with a Bachelor of Sport Science and Management , all while successfully building and managing her company, Nonkanyiso Funeral Services. Her journey is one of resilience, ambition, and purpose, balancing academics with entrepreneurship from a young age.
Haiing from Umlazi township, she founded Nonkanyiso Funeral Services at the age of 19 while still pursuing her studies. What began as a bold entrepreneurial dream soon evolved into a meaningful business dedicated to serving families with dignity and professionalism. Despite the demands of running a company, she remained committed to academic excellence, ultimately graduating for her qualification on record time.
Her entrepreneurial growth accelerated after joining the DUT Innobiz Entrepreneurship Programme, where she received mentorship, exposure, and opportunities to develop her business further. Through the programme, she represented both her business and the university internationally in Bangkok and Dublin, gaining global exposure and valuable business insights.
She also participated in programmes organised by the National Youth Development Agency in Johannesburg, where she deepened her understanding of youth economic empowerment and entrepreneurship development.
While her achievements are inspiring, Msomi admits the journey was not without sacrifices. One of her biggest challenges was balancing the intense demands of entrepreneurship with university life. There were moments when she had to travel between cities while ensuring she stayed on top of her academic commitments.
“One of my biggest challenges was balancing my academic responsibilities with entrepreneurship. At times, my schedule was extremely demanding for example, taking a 6 a.m. flight from Johannesburg after an NYDA programme to make it back to Durban in time for a 9 a.m. exam. These experiences required resilience, discipline, and strong time management, but they shaped me into the person I am today,” she explained.
Although she studied Sport Science and Management due to her passion for athletics and fitness, her entrepreneurial ambitions remained central to her vision for the future.
“Sport Science and Management was my choice of study. I have always been passionate about sport and fitness, actively participating in athletics since primary school. At the same time, I have always had a strong passion for entrepreneurship. DUT gave me the space to align my education with my entrepreneurial journey, helping me discover my true purpose,” said Nonkanyiso.
Now running Nonkanyiso Funeral Services full-time, Msomi hopes to continue expanding her business into a sustainable company that creates employment opportunities and contributes meaningfully to community development. She also plans to pursue postgraduate studies in Business Management to further strengthen her leadership and business skills.
Pictured: Nonkanyiso Msomi
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Thubelihle Dumakude
