A Temperature Monitor at the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB), Ms Nondumiso Tshiki has secured a spot on the list of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Business School Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduates. She was conferred with her MBA degree at the 2025 DUT Autumn Graduation ceremony on Wednesday, 21 May 2025.
The 31-year-old Tshiki from KwaMashu in Durban believes walking across the graduation stage was her symbol of triumph over the challenges she faced during her academic journey, pushing herself beyond limits academically and professionally.
“Graduating this Autumn season was an incredibly proud and fulfilling moment for me. It marked a culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and personal growth. This achievement was not just about earning a qualification. It was a testament to my resilience, dedication, and the sacrifices I have made to further my education,” said Tshiki.
The title of her dissertation is “Consumer Rights Awareness Among Residents from Low Socio-Economic Areas in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.” Tshiki’s motivation for this study stems from a strong interest in consumer protection and economic empowerment.
“Many residents in low socio-economic areas face unfair business practices due to limited awareness of their rights. This research explored the level of consumer rights knowledge, it identified key challenges, and highlighted ways to improve consumer education and policy enforcement. My goal was to contribute to initiatives that empower consumers, ensuring they make informed financial decisions and are better protected from exploitation,” explained Tshiki.
As she steps into the next chapter, Tshiki is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, knowing that her MBA from the DUT Business School has equipped her with the skills and confidence to make a meaningful impact in her career and beyond.
“My journey at DUT was one of growth and perseverance. I first enrolled in 2020 for a Bachelor of Technology in Management, which deepened my understanding of business management and strategy. In 2021, I advanced my studies by completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Science in Business Administration further strengthening my leadership and decision-making skills. Determined to expand my expertise, I enrolled for my Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2022, and I am proud to have graduated in 2025,” added Tshiki.
Balancing work and studies presented several challenges for Tshiki primarily financial constraints, time management, and the responsibilities of being both a mother and a wife. She shared that managing tuition fees, study materials, and living expenses while working was difficult, but she adapted by budgeting carefully and seeking financial aid.
“On top of that, fulfilling my duties at home as a mother and daughter-in-law required emotional strength and consistent presence. The demands of my MBA programme, long study hours and tight deadlines, often clashed with these personal responsibilities. To manage, I became disciplined in planning and scheduling, dedicating evenings and weekends to study while ensuring my work and family responsibilities were met. Despite these obstacles, my determination, faith, and focus on my goals helped me persevere and succeed,” noted Tshiki.
Her special thanks goes to DUT for playing a significant role in shaping her academic and professional journey, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the business world.
As a Temperature Monitor at PPECB, Tshiki has taken on significant responsibilities in the quality assessment and compliance monitoring of perishable products. She is actively involved in ensuring the integrity of the cold chain, making sure perishable products are safely handled and comply with the necessary regulations for international trade.
She mostly associated with the DUT value of integrity. She believes integrity reflected her commitment to honesty, ethical decision-making, and responsibility in both her personal and professional life. According to Tshiki, Integrity is the foundation of trust and credibility, which are essential in any environment, whether in academics, the workplace, or everyday interactions. Throughout her journey, from balancing fwork and studies to conducting research on consumer rights, Tshiki said she has upheld integrity by ensuring that her work was thorough, ethical, and impactful. She believes maintaining integrity not only strengthens one’s character but also contributes to positive change in society.
Her career goal is to advance into leadership and strategic roles in business, regulation, or consumer protection. She aims to influence policy development, drive organisational growth, and advocate for consumer rights. In the long term, she aspires to hold a senior management or executive position, contributing to ethical business practices and economic empowerment.
Picture: DUT MBA graduate, Nondumiso Tshiki.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.
Simangele Zuma
