
UKZN Staff Member Secures Third Qualification!
Ms Ntombizethu “Zethu” Gcaba, an Assistant International Officer for the International Relations Office, was awarded her third qualification during UKZN’s Spring Graduation ceremonies.
Gcaba, who holds a Bachelor of Technology Degree in Public Relations Management and a National Diploma in Journalism from the Durban University of Technology, was awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSB&L).
Asked about why she changed her fields of study, she said: ‘There is a method to my madness. I originally pursued my diploma in the subject of communications out of my love for literature, but then I was captivated by corporate studies while doing my BTech in Public Relations Management. So, when I was given a chance to join the University of Kwazulu-Natal, a highly regarded Institution, I was persuaded to pursue a Business Administration qualification which gave me the opportunity to learn about a number of business-related issues rather than just one field of study.’
Gcaba said it took a lot of hard work and perseverance to finish her studies while working full time. Reflecting on graduation day, she thanked her great-grandfather and her mother for having attended all three of her graduation ceremonies. She also thanked her family for always supporting and encouraging her: ‘Nothing I have had the honour of having or accomplishing would have been possible without my family who have helped me overcome many barriers placed in my path.’
Also thanking Management at the Corporate Relations Division (CRD) for their help and support, she said: ‘I don’t believe I would have been inspired to continue my studies if I had not been surrounded by the brilliant minds I work with within the University or serve as the Institution’s Assistant International Officer.’
Gcaba said the qualification had allowed her to make better, more informed decisions in her role at the University by giving her the knowledge to understand the operational aspects of a large organisation such as UKZN. Having completed courses such as Organisational Behaviour, Marketing and the Principles of Business, she said her postgraduate diploma would enable her to provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders, in particular prospective and present international students, offering services that will improve the transition, engagement, and overall study experience of the University’s international student community.
Gcaba, who says she is proud to have achieved her qualification at the Premier University of African Scholarship, plans to pursue her studies further.
Corporate Relations Division Executive Director Ms Normah Zondo congratulated Gcaba on her achievement. ‘We are excited and proud to see Zethu graduating. It took a lot of dedication and perseverance to complete her postgraduate studies during a time when the world and South Africa, in particular, faced many challenges. We congratulate you and hope this achievement will encourage others to inspire greatness.’
Words: Hlengiwe Khwela
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini