Dr Madwe's graduation Dr Madwe's journey to graduation
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After years of setbacks and perseverance, Harding-born academic Dr Mziwendoda Modwe has finally achieved his dream of earning a PhD in Accounting at the Durban University of Technology’s Autumn graduation ceremony.
The 44-year-old academic from Harding walked proudly across the stage at the Durban University of Technology Autumn graduation ceremony on Wednesday, receiving his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Accounting after years of determination, setbacks and perseverance.
As applause filled the Olive Convention Centre, it was not just a celebration of academic excellence — it was the closing of a deeply personal chapter for a man who had to rebuild himself after earlier disappointment in his PhD journey.
Dr Madwe, a proud alumnus of Durban University of Technology, first arrived at the institution in 2006 to study for a Diploma in Accounting. From the beginning, he showed promise, excelling academically and earning a position as a student tutor during his second year.
He later completed his BTech in Cost and Management Accounting and his Master’s degree in Accounting, graduating cum laude in 2017. Inspired by that achievement, he set his sights on earning a doctorate.
However, the journey was far from easy.
“It required discipline, patience and a strong belief that I could still achieve my goal,” he said.
Instead of allowing disappointment to define him, Dr Madwe chose to start again, this time returning to DUT, the institution where his academic journey first began.
“I then decided to return to DUT where my journey began. I am grateful to have completed my PhD in record time,” he said.
Today, Dr Madwe lectures at the University of Zululand, where he teaches aspiring accountants while continuing to build his academic career. He says the greatest lesson from his own experience is that failure is never final.
“Failing to complete my PhD in earlier attempts did not mean the end. It meant I had to come back stronger, improve my work and remain committed,” he said.
“I am proud that I did not give up. It is proof that one’s dreams remain valid as long as the dreamer is still alive.”
His doctoral research focused on the impact of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance on the financial stability of environmentally focused companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The study tackled a major gap in research around ESG practices and financial performance and has already produced three published papers in accredited academic journals.
Yet beyond the academic accolades and published research, one of the most touching moments of the day came from the audience.
Watching proudly from the crowd was his mother, Duduzile Madwe, who became emotional as her eldest son received his doctorate.
She praised him for setting an example for his younger siblings and for showing that perseverance can overcome even the toughest challenges.
For Dr Madwe, the graduation was not simply about obtaining a title, it was about honouring every setback he survived to get there.
He also shared words of encouragement for postgraduate students facing difficult moments in their own studies.
“Trust the guidance of your supervisors and remain committed to the process, even when the feedback is difficult,” he said.
IOL