Through resilience, service, and a strong commitment to leadership, Luyanda S’gcino Zulu has emerged as one of the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) most inspiring student leaders. Hailing from Eshowe, Zulu consistently lives the DUT values through her dedication to integrity, service, and community impact.
Zulu’s academic journey began in 2023 when she enrolled for a Diploma in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Business Analysis. Her first year came with challenges: financial strain, a difficult adjustment to university life, and the pressure of navigating a new environment. While many students around her experienced the typical varsity lifestyle, she often felt left behind. Yet, even in those moments of uncertainty, she held onto the belief that she was meant for something greater. This belief fuelled her focus on academic and personal development.
Her second year marked a turning point. After successfully passing all her first-year modules, Zulu stepped boldly into extracurricular involvement. She began volunteering at campus events, participating in university programmes, and surrounding herself with ambitious and hardworking peers. Becoming a voluntary Peer Helper/Educator was a defining experience, as it allowed her to support students facing challenges similar to those she once faced, and in doing so, she discovered a deep passion for leadership and service. Her involvement soon expanded into the House Committee (HC), the Green Campus Initiative (GCI), and the iQhakaza Ladies Network (iQLN), further shaping her leadership identity.
In her final year, Zulu reached one of the highest positions within DUT’s Residence Life leadership structures: Deputy President of the Central Housing Committee (CHC) under the Department of Student Housing and Residence Life. This role gave her the platform to strengthen her leadership values, ethical decision-making, innovation, resilience, and community-focused engagement.
“One of the standout moments in my leadership journey was meeting the Vice-Chancellor during a special networking event with the SRC and CHE. It was then that I realised my journey now inspires other students, especially first-year women beginning their own paths,” she said.
Luyanda Zulu being honoured at the Student Services Awards.
In 2025, she received two major recognitions: the Dean of Students Prestigious Gold Award and the Student Academic Excellence Award. Alongside these accolades, she holds numerous certificates from community engagements, programmes, and leadership projects she has been involved in throughout her years at DUT. Her academic performance is equally outstanding, with an overall average above 75%, placing her on track for Cum laude, a milestone that reflects her discipline and pursuit of excellence.
She resonates strongly with DUT’s values and principles of Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Excellence, Commitment, and Professionalism. She believes these principles represent the core of true leadership and guide her in both academic and community work. For her, leadership is not defined by titles, it is defined by action, character, and consistency.
To first-year students who wish to follow a similar journey, she shares heartfelt advice: if you have the will to begin, you are already on the right path. She encourages them to trust themselves, prioritise their academics, and believes that excellence is achievable through dedication and balance.
To the broader DUT community, Zulu expresses deep gratitude for the support and opportunities available. She encourages students to seize these opportunities, embrace learning and unlearning, and align themselves with DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy to drive collective success. “Leadership is not limited to positions; it begins with intention and responsibility,” she reminded everyone.
This year, Zulu plans to pursue her Advanced Diploma in ICT while continuing to contribute meaningfully to the DUT community. “I aim to build on my achievements, extend my impact, and engage in projects that align with both my academic goals and my passion for leadership,” she concluded.
Pictured: DUT Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane handing over the Dean of Students Prestigious Award to Luyanda Zulu at the ENVISION2030 Institutional Awards.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
