Former Security Guard Capped Doctor of Public Policy

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Dr Sipho Buthelezi started his working career as a security guard in Louwsburg in northern KwaZulu-Natal using the three years he spent in the job to wisely plan the way forward to a better life. 

Buthelezi started saving and eventually had enough money to resign from his security guard position to register at UKZN where, with the help of Student Financial Aid, he completed the following degrees: BA (Tourism) cum laude; BSocSc (Honours) and MSocSc. 

He has worked in various provincial government departments in South Africa over the past 13 years.  He provided secretariat support and co-ordination for Government Relations in the Office of the KZN Premier; conducted research on Governance and Administration in the Department of Public Service and Administration in Pretoria; co-ordinated governance programmes for the Office of the Premier in the Western Cape; and is currently a Deputy Manager for Policy and Research in the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KZN. 

‘Having an education means that I am empowered and better equipped to add value to society, especially in KwaZulu-Natal,’ said Buthelezi. ‘With a combination of skills and applied research, means I can take on any given task or responsibility and excel in it. I am trained to think and do; hence I can bring innovation and new approaches into my work.’ 

Buthelezi’s research for his PhD explored how effective the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Implementation structure has been in managing inter-organisational relations for tourism policy implementation. 

A highlight for him was seeing himself grow in areas of critical thinking and analytic writing. ‘Now I have a deep sense of respect and appreciation for my thoughts, visioning, ability and actions. It feels wonderful to get my PhD - I feel affirmed as an emerging researcher. I am encouraged to work even harder.’ 

Looking back over his journey from security guard to PhD graduate, he had these words of advice for other students: ‘It’s important to secure additional research support and guidance. It could be beneficial to have a practitioner/specialist as a co-supervisor, because that can expand your scope of thinking and application of findings and recommendations.’ 

Buthelezi expressed his gratitude to his family, friends, his supervisor, Dr Suzanne Francis, and work colleagues for their continual support.  

He hopes to join UKZN sometime in the future as he is passionate about teaching and knowledge production.   

Melissa Mungroo