For Sbongile Mbambo, earning a Master’s degree is not simply about adding another qualification to her name. It represents years of learning, professional growth, perseverance and the determination to keep moving forward.
The 43-year-old from Umbumbulu, KwaZulu-Natal, is set to graduate with a Master of Management Sciences in Administration and Information Management from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) during the 2026 Spring Graduation at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban.
Her academic journey began with a National Diploma in Office Management and Technology, followed by a bachelor’s degree in the same field. Although pursuing a Master’s degree was not always part of her plans, her desire to deepen her knowledge, strengthen her professional skills and continue growing eventually led her back to postgraduate studies.
“I was inspired to further my academic knowledge, enhance my professional skills and continue growing academically and professionally,” she said.
Mbambo’s interest in professional growth also shaped the focus of her Master’s research. Her dissertation, titled “Career Advancement Experiences of Women in Delegated Positions at a Selected South African University”, explored the experiences of women in delegated positions and the factors that influence their career advancement.
Her research found that while women generally viewed university policies positively, several factors could affect their progression, including gender bias, limited mentorship opportunities, work-life balance and gaps in policy implementation. The study also highlighted mentorship, networking and self-expression as important strategies in supporting women’s career development.
For Mbambo, the research is more than an academic exercise. She hopes it can contribute to creating more equitable workplaces and supporting greater representation of women in leadership.
Completing the qualification required her to manage the demands of postgraduate study alongside a full-time career as a Senior Administrator at one of South Africa’s largest companies.
Balancing work and studies meant managing competing responsibilities while also attending physical consultations at DUT. Her journey became even more challenging when she was injured during the KwaZulu-Natal floods.
“One of the biggest challenges was balancing work and studies. I was fortunate to have supervisors who genuinely cared about my progress, encouraged me and pushed me to keep going,” she said.
The support she received from her supervisors helped her remain focused during difficult periods and reminded her of the importance of having people who believe in your progress.
For Mbambo, the experience has also reinforced the importance of integrity and respect. She says these values influenced how she approached both her studies and professional responsibilities, while also reminding her to appreciate the people who supported her along the way.
Her achievement has been a source of immense pride for her family, adding another layer of meaning to the milestone.
With her Master’s now completed, Mbambo is already thinking about what comes next. She plans to pursue a PhD and hopes to take on greater leadership responsibilities, building on the academic and professional experience she has gained.
Her message to students considering postgraduate studies is straightforward: believe in yourself and remain committed to your goals.
“The journey may not always be easy, but with commitment, perseverance and the right support, it is possible to achieve your goals,” Mbambo advises.
As she prepares to cross the stage at DUT’s 2026 Spring Graduation, Mbambo’s achievement is a reminder of what can be achieved through determination, perseverance and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
Congratulations to Sbongile Mbambo on this significant achievement.
Picture: Supplied
Nosihle Mthembu
