In the quiet yet resilient community of Ladysmith, KwaHlathi Ezihlabathini, a young girl once dared to believe that her voice could matter. That girl was Sibongile Bongeka “Mabee” Ndhlovu a name that would one day echo through the halls of Durban University of Technology (DUT) as a symbol of hope, strength, and transformation.
Ndhlovu’s journey was never about shortcuts. It was built on early mornings, late nights, and a deep understanding that success is not given it is earned. At Mngayi Primary School, she first discovered the power of education. It was not just about books; it was about possibility. Later, at Emabhekazi Combined School, she refined her discipline and focus, quietly preparing herself for a future she could already feel but not yet see.
By the time she completed Grade 12 in 2021, Mabee had already developed something rare a genuine passion for people.
When she stepped into university life in 2023, pursuing a Diploma in Marketing, the world opened in ways she had never imagined. But along with opportunity came reality. Financial struggles. Academic pressure. Social challenges. These weren’t just obstacles they were lessons. Lessons that shaped her perspective and deepened her empathy.
While many students struggled in silence, Ndhlovu chose a different path. She leaned into leadership.
She began to understand the power of representation. She listened really to students’ struggles. And in those conversations, she found her purpose: no student should ever feel alone.
Her journey continued at Classy Res, where she served as a House Committee member. There, leadership became more than a title, it became action. She resolved conflicts, built connections, and created a sense of belonging among students from different walks of life. People didn’t just see her as a leader; they saw her as someone who cared.
Now, stepping into her role as SRC Social and Welfare Officer for 2025/27, Ndhlovu is not just continuing a journey she is elevating it. Her vision is clear: a campus where every student feels seen, heard, and supported.
She dreams of vibrant social spaces filled with laughter and unity. She envisions safe spaces where students can speak openly about mental health without fear or judgment. She is determined to ensure that those facing financial or personal hardships are not overlooked but uplifted.
“The DUT living values of respect, honesty, and transparency strongly resonate with me and guide how I lead and interact with others,” she said.
Her story is not one of perfection, but of perseverance. Not of privilege, but of purpose. She leads not because she has all the answers, but because she understands the questions because she has lived them.
As she often says: “Always stay true to who you are, embrace your uniqueness and let your authentic self-shine in everything you do.”
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Tiyani Mboweni
