The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Horticulture graduate, Nkululeko Mkhize is committed to inspiring those coming after him for greatness.

He said that his journey as part of the DUT family was knowledgeable and exciting which pushed him to continue with his studies and obtain an Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture in 2023.

“Being taught by Dr Jonathan Foley, Senior Lecturer: Horticulture  and DUT’s Mr Zwelonke Beato helped me love and enjoy landscaping as I tried to absorb the knowledge as much as I could so that I can be an equitable horti-scaper (horticulturist with the landscaping knowledge) who will be able to carry on maintaining and improving the standards of the landscaping and horticulture industry in South Africa,” said Mkhize.

He further shared on his achievements while at DUT, one of them was winning the South African Landscapers Institute (SALI) which opened many doors for him including being part of the Ethelbert Children’s Home landscape revamp.

“My role there included developing a landscape plan using a sophisticated software. I learned a lot through SALI as they gave me a scholarship to learn AutoCAD in one of the Draughting schools in Durban,” he added.

Mkhize indicated gratitude to those who assisted him through the course of the programme and is looking forward to more good projects.

“With the help of Dr Foley, the project manager and Thando Khuzwayo, my fellow colleague, I was able to complete it and see it come to life. I am very proud of the team we formed and to be part of such a great project. I am grateful to the Home for giving us a chance and trusting us through SALI to showcase what we can do,” he said.

 Mkhize concluded by sharing that he currently works as a horti-scaper at the Mount Edgecombe Country Club and that he is focused on doing his work diligently and is looking forward to more opportunities going forward.

 Pictured: Nkululeko Mkhize

Patience Makhaye