Dr Simiso Lindokuhle Mabaso has had an incredible journey, starting as a taxi conductor and later becoming an academic lecturer. He’s a living testimony that your past does not determine your future.
Mabaso (42) from Bergville in KwaZulu-Natal is a lecturer in the Department of Ecotourism at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). He recently received his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management Sciences, specialising in Hospitality and Tourism at the Autumn Graduation ceremony held at the Indumiso campus recently.
His journey at DUT began in 2001, after he saved enough funds to cover his registration fee.
Mabaso said: “I matriculated in 1998 and came to Durban to look for space at university. I was accepted at DUT but I did not have the registration money. Not wanting to go back home empty-handed, I decided to look for a job. One of my friends had an uncle, who was a taxi owner under the Umlazi M and R sections. He hired me as a taxi conductor. It was my only hope of earning a living and sending money back home.”
Even after joining DUT, he continued to work as a taxi conductor over weekends and holidays to sustain himself during his studies.
He first enrolled in a National Certificate in Tour Guiding and then continued with a National Diploma in Tourism Management. In 2010, he completed a Master’s Degree in Tourism and Hospitality. His PhD journey began in 2021 under the supervision of DUT’s Professor D Hlengwa.
The title of his thesis was: “A framework to facilitate social entrepreneurship as a tool for sustainable tourism economies in Bergville – Okhahlamba Municipality.”
Mabaso expressed his excitement at finally completing his PhD studies and is passionate about teaching. He aims to continue his career in academia by conducting extensive research and publishing papers. He also has a strong interest in teaching first-year students because he believes that is where a solid foundation is laid.
