TWO executive members of the Durban University of Technology’s Convocation (CONVEX) will be among the university’s alumni who will be graduating, adding to the list of their qualifications at DUT’s 2020 Virtual Graduation ceremony to be held online on Wednesday, 10 June 2020 at 12pm.

Phumelela Vezi from Umlazi will be obtaining his Master’s Degree in Information and Corporate Management while Thamsanqa Mkhulisa from the rural area of Impendle, outside Pietermaritzburg will be obtaining his BTech in Public Management.

Vezi and Mkhulisa are executive members of DUT’s Convocation which is a statutory body, constituted by inter alia, graduates and all holders of diplomas and certificates of the university. They are part of a team playing an important role in the institution by representing and advancing the collective interests of its members with respect to the university.

Vezi first obtained his National Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree in Office Management and Technology at DUT in 2013 and 2014. He recently completed his Master’s Degree in Information Administration and Corporate Management at DUT with his Dissertation titled: The evaluation of the effectiveness of job placement administration practice. At the moment he is busy with his PhD.

His journey at DUT began in 2008 when he first enrolled for the National Diploma in Cost Management Accounting but later changed the course to National Diploma in Office Management, due to difficulties he encountered along the way.

” I even thought of dropping out, to go and work but I didn’t, I re-registered for a Diploma in Office Management which I completed, then moved on to my BTech,” said Vezi.
He wishes to celebrate his latest qualification with his family, Ms Qedi Vezi and Mrs Ntombezinhle Vezi Sokhela, who encouraged him from the beginning of his academic journey.

He believes he would not have reached his level of study if it was not for his late grandmother’s blessings.

Mkhulisa who will be obtaining his BTech in Public Management joined DUT in 2000 when it was still called Technikon Natal where he completed a National Certificate in Video Technology. In 2001, he then enrolled for the National Diploma in Photography at DUT which he completed.

He realized his passion was with photography and had planned to become a professional photographer.

“After I completed my studies I joined the Department of Transport as an Assistant Director for Audio Visual and later as Acting Deputy Director Administration within Communication Directorate. After spending over 13 years with government I have since decided to move on, I’m currently involved in farming specializing in vegetables which I enjoy the most, “said Mkhulisa.

Speaking about his good old days at DUT, Mkhulisa said in 2004 he was elected as SRC’s Deputy President led by President Bonginkosi Zwane, whom later became his close friend.
“Student Politics played a major role in my life after leaving the institution I learnt a lot as a student leader. I’m currently busy with my proposal for the Master’s Degree in Public Management,” said Mkhulisa.

He thanked former DUT SRC President, Mr Bonginkosi Zwane for always encouraging him to further his studies.

One of the challenges he recalls when he joined DUT was that he came from a rural area and was clueless about Durban.
” I remember it took me five hours to find City Campus from Steve Biko. I ended up in Point Road now known as Mahatma Gandhi, mind you I was walking. Secondly I was raised by a single parent who was a domestic worker so I had to assist her since she was paying for me,” said Mkhulisa.

Last year he said he struggled to balance his studies, family and work. However, he managed to succeed through the support of his wife, Phumelele Mkhulisa and his then Supervisor Nomfundo Mcetywa.

He wishes his late mother and father were still alive to share his latest achievement with him.
He applauds them for raising him well that after they were gone, he was able to take care of himself.

Pictured: Phumelela Vezi

Pictured: Thami Mkhulisa

Simangele Zuma