The School of Management, Information Technology and Governance (SMITG) celebrated the graduation of one PhD and four master’s students during the UKZN Autumn Graduation ceremonies.
Ms Thobeka Zondi bagged her Doctor of Public Administration degree along with other four master’s students, Mrs Bongiwe Gidigidi, Mr Mike Mzolo, Mr West Gumede and Mr Pitso Mohapi, who graduated under the supervision of Professor Thokozani Nzimakwe.
‘I believe they enjoyed their journey, even though there were some challenges along the way. Their hard work, determination, and perseverance has paid off. I congratulate them on their well-deserved success,’ said Nzimakwe.
Zondi says her qualification allowed her to conduct research on climate change, one of the most critical issues impacting society today on a thesis titled: Community Perceptions About Climate Change in iLembe District Municipality.
To finally graduate with a Master of Commerce in Management was a bitter sweet moment for Gidigidi who lost her husband just before getting a confirmation of her degree completed. Taking care of her sick husband while working and being a full-time mother were not the only setbacks to completing a degree in record time for Gidigidi. In 2018 she was excluded from the University.
‘I appealed in 2019 but unfortunately, COVID-19 came and there was no response from the University on the outcome. In 2021, I tried to re-register once again and the University granted me another opportunity in the second semester to finish my dissertation.’
Recently promoted as Senior Superintendent for Durban Metropolitan Police Service, Gidigidi used her study titled: Analysing the Influence of Absenteeism on Operations in the Durban Metropolitan Police Service to examine the contributing factors for the rate of high absenteeism in the police organisation and to explore best practices in the management of absenteeism. She plans to continue with her studies at PhD level.
‘My future plans are to be one of the first doctors in the police profession and be an inspiration to young policemen and women who have just joined the profession,’ she said.
For General Education, Training and Development Practitioner with 13 years’ experience with the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA), getting a Master of Commerce in Human Resource Management will serve as a gateway for growth within the freight handling division. Mzolo plans to use his newly acquired qualification to secure a managerial position in the transport sector.
‘With this qualification, I was aiming to take my career to greater heights for a better income, and most importantly, climb the corporate ladder quicker because I feel ready.’
His dissertation titled: The Impact of Training and Development on Employees’ Performance in KwaZulu-Natal Transport Sector allowed him to explore the challenges and role played by upskilling employees within the transport industry.
Pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration has been a strenuous yet rewarding experience for Gumede who had to keep up with responsibilities as a Municipal Manager while studying. He was promoted to a managerial position just after registering for his qualification.
‘I have been in the local government space for seven years working at senior management level. This is a well-recognised and highly recommended qualification within the public service sector, it will help me in matching my professional experience with my academic qualification,’ said Gumede.
His dissertation was titled: Interlacing Threads of Public Space, Local Governance and Street Trading: A Case of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality. He plans to continue his studies to further enhance his knowledge base and motivate others in his workplace.
‘The qualification will supplement my decision-making process in my current position as Municipal Manager. It will also assist my career advancement and enable me to apply for any position at senior management level.’
Mohapi, a Human Resource’s Officer for Central Bank in Lesotho driven by the motto: “Hard work pays”, said graduating with a Master of Commerce in Human Resource Management will boost his career growth. His qualification not only enhances his knowledge and skills but also allows him to pursue a PhD.
‘I have always wanted to pursue my masters for advancement in my career. Challenging myself keeps me going. I plan to go further and study towards a PhD. I should be contacting the University for my registration soon,’ he said.
He used his study titled: Relationship Between Pay for Performance and Turnover Intentions for Central Bank of Lesotho to Examine the Effects of Employee Remuneration for Central Banks.
Word: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photographs: Rajesh Jantilal