Research driven, future focused, and committed to making a difference, two Durban University of Technology (DUT) academics are using their doctoral achievements to advance innovation, teaching, and societal impact.
The Doctoral Mentoring Programme is the flagship postgraduate Research Capacity Development (RCD) programme of the Research and Postgraduate Support (RPS) Directorate, providing mentoring and academic and pedagogical support for staff members wanting to complete their doctoral qualification within a three-year period. The purpose of the Doctoral Mentoring Programme is to rapidly increase the number of staff with doctoral qualifications; facilitate the application of research and evidence-based teaching and learning in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to ensure graduates are ready for the workplace. Additional objectives of the Doctoral Mentoring Programme are to equip staff with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to draft research funding grants, increase research productivity, and build a strong publication track record to enhance DUT’s ENVISION2030 goals.
Among these scholars is Dr Fathima Razack, whose doctoral journey reflects DUT’s strategic investment in building research capacity and academic excellence. Earlier this year, DUT announced the phased implementation of 18 research institutes aimed at strengthening the University’s ability to deliver high impact, solutions driven research aligned with economic development, social progress, and sustainable innovation. Razack’s achievement contributes to this broader vision of developing a strong pipeline of researchers and academic leaders.
A Quality Promotions Officer in the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics, Dr Razack graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in Business and Information Management at DUT’s Autumn Graduation Ceremony. Her success was supported through the University’s Doctoral Mentoring Programme.
Dr Razack joined the programme in 2023, and pursued research focused on the future of higher education in the tourism sector. Her doctoral thesis, towards a Transformative Higher Education Curriculum Model in Smart Tourism within the Fourth Industrial Revolution for Accommodation Establishments in KwaZulu-Natal, addressed the growing gap between higher education curricula and evolving industry demands.
The study proposed a model integrating Fourth Industrial Revolution competencies through digital skills development, experiential learning, industry collaboration, and internationalisation.
“This journey was motivated by a passion for lifelong learning, a belief in the transformative power of education, and a commitment to advancing institutional relevance, graduate employability, and sectoral innovation,” she expressed.
Her academic relationship with DUT spans almost three decades, beginning in 1996 when she enrolled for a National Diploma in Travel and Tourism at ML Sultan Technikon. Encouraged by Faculty Executive Dean Professor Olugbara, she embarked on her doctoral studies in 2023, culminating in this significant achievement.
“This milestone affirms my commitment to contributing meaningfully to higher education. As I move forward, I remain dedicated to advancing research, supporting institutional excellence, and mentoring others on their academic journeys,” she accentuated.
Looking ahead, Dr Razack hopes her research will contribute to curriculum innovation and policy development in response to the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Similarly committed to advancing knowledge through practical application is Dr Sharanam Abbana from the Department of Financial Accounting. Having progressed from a first year Accounting student to earning a PhD at DUT, his academic journey and participation in the Doctoral Mentoring Programme reflects his commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary thinking, and student centred learning.
His research spans Accounting, Corporate Finance, Sustainability, Integrated Reporting, Financial Technology, and emerging digital tools. His doctoral study examined Integrated Reporting and firm valuation in Sub Saharan Africa, highlighting how organisational culture and audit quality influence reporting effectiveness.
Beyond his own research, Dr Abbana is helping to transform teaching through Project Based Learning, Design Thinking, Work Integrated Learning, and interdisciplinary student research.
“These projects encourage students to identify real world financial and accounting problems and develop practical solutions,” said Dr Abbana.
His work illustrates how research can generate tangible benefits beyond academia. Students are encouraged to develop solutions for real organisations, creating meaningful impact while enhancing learning outcomes.
“The impactful aspect is reflected in projects where students apply accounting knowledge to real world problems. Through Project Based Learning and Design Thinking, students have developed solutions that address actual business and public sector challenges,” said Dr Abbana.
He has also supervised projects exploring the integration of artificial intelligence and financial analysis, with student research presented at international conferences and recognised for advancing research culture within the faculty.
Together, Dr Razack and Dr Abbana have demonstrated how DUT’s Doctoral Mentoring Programme can strengthen DUT’s research culture while contributing solutions that respond to the needs of industry, communities, and society.
Pictured: Dr Sharanam Abbana and Dr Fathima Razack.
Photography: Khulasande Tshayile
Waheeda Peters
