It has been a rewarding year for Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSB&L) academic Dr Mlondi Vilakazi, who supervised four postgraduate students who graduated this Spring.
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) graduate Dr Sithulile Mbayi completed a thesis titled: ‘Augmenting Incentive Systems by Incorporating Healthy Behaviour as a Currency in a Media Company’. Her research demonstrated how integrating health-focused behavioural incentives can improve income satisfaction, productivity, and workplace performance.
Mr Lethukuthula Dlamini was awarded a Master of Commerce in Leadership Studies for his dissertation: ‘The Exploration of Technological Advancement Changes on Employee Optimal Performance: A Case of Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality.’
Mr Mthokozisi Mavimbela, who earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA), investigated: ‘Examining the Role that Private Public Partnerships Can Play in Fast-Tracking Infrastructure Development in the Water Sector.’
Also graduating with an MBA was Mr Nkosikhona Sabela, whose dissertation was titled: ‘An Exploration of Measures to Enhance the Financial Sustainability of the uMgungundlovu District Municipality.’
Reflecting on the milestone, Vilakazi said he was proud of the graduates’ commitment and perseverance. “Supervision is never a solitary journey. It requires resilience and dedication from students, support from the University, and a shared belief that academic work must have real-world impact. Seeing four students graduate in one year is deeply rewarding,” he said.
He added that the challenge of supervising working professionals was balancing their demanding careers with the rigours of postgraduate study.
“Flexibility was important, but academic standards could not be compromised. Balancing rigour with empathy created accountability without discouragement,” he said.
Vilakazi emphasised the importance of ensuring that postgraduate research contributes to solving pressing societal and business challenges. Several of the dissertations are being prepared for journal publication to make the knowledge accessible to both academia and industry.
Currently serving as Project Manager for Regional and Local Economic Development (RLED) at the GSB&L, Vilakazi said the graduates’ success reflects UKZN’s ongoing contribution to knowledge creation and nation-building. “These achievements are not only personal milestones for the students, but also part of the University’s commitment to producing research that drives social and economic change,” he said.
This is what some of his students had to say:
“I have been fortunate to be led by supervisors whom I hold at high esteem, whose work and etiquette I admire and have learned from. Dr Mlondi Vilakazi balanced my enthusiasm and cognitive capacity with calmness, diverse perspective and cognitive articulation. Here’s to reaching higher academic excellence and relentless dedication to academia.” – Mbayi
“Dr Vilakazi is an outstanding supervisor whose unwavering support, expert guidance, and scholarly wisdom provided a constant source of inspiration. His kindness was evident in the patience, encouragement, and thoughtful feedback he offered, particularly during the demanding process of balancing demanding studies, work, and family responsibilities. His high standards and genuine dedication motivated me to push beyond my limits, ensuring that my research was not only rigorous and meaningful but also a valuable contribution to the broader body of knowledge on the financial sustainability of local government.” – Sabela
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Dr Vilakazi for his unwavering support and guidance throughout my academic journey. Juggling the demands of school, work, and family was no small feat, but his steadfast mentorship made it possible to navigate this challenging period. His understanding and empathetic nature were invaluable, providing both motivation and reassurance when it was needed most. Thanks to his encouragement, I was able to persevere and ultimately achieve my goals. I wish him continued success and fulfilment as he soars to even greater heights in academia. Kwande Mphephethwa (Vilakazi clan names)!” – Mavimbela
Words: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini