“My story is not just my own; it’s a reflection of the strength and love of the remarkable women who raised me. Everything I achieve is because of them.”
Hailing from Durban, South Africa, Sihle Sibisi’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of education. Growing up in the township of uMlazi before completing high school in Illovu Township, Sibisi’s life was deeply influenced by the challenges and opportunities that shaped his upbringing.
Born into a humble family, Sibisi is the elder of two siblings. His parents never had the opportunity to pursue higher education, but his mother’s unwavering determination left an indelible mark on his life. “My upbringing was shaped by my mother’s unwavering determination. Despite facing significant challenges, she worked tirelessly to give me a better life and instilled in me the importance of education as the key to a brighter future. Her words and actions became my guiding light,” recalls Sibisi.
Sibisi speaks of his mother with reverence, describing her as his guiding light. Tragically, her journey was cut short when she passed away on April 1, 2012. Her absence left a void that could never be filled, but her love and the values she imparted continue to inspire Sihle in all he does.
In the wake of his mother’s passing, Sihle found solace and support in his grandmother. A steadfast figure in his life, his grandmother became a pillar of strength, offering wisdom and encouragement during challenging times. This multi-generational legacy of resilience and hope set the foundation for Sibisi’s aspirations.
His journey emphasises the transformative power of education. Despite the odds, he navigated the challenges of his background with determination, eventually completing high school in Illovu Township. For Sihle, education was never just about personal advancement—it was about honouring the sacrifices of his family and creating opportunities for his younger sibling.
Sibisi is determined to continue building a future that pays tribute to the values instilled by his mother and grandmother. His story is a testament to the belief that one’s beginnings do not define one’s destiny. Instead, resilience, perseverance, and the pursuit of knowledge have the power to transform lives.
“Looking back, those years were the most difficult of my life, but they were also the most transformative. The adversity I faced shaped me into the person I am today: resilient, resourceful, and determined to overcome any obstacle. My struggles taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of never losing sight of one’s goals, no matter how distant they may seem.”
After completing matric, Sibisi faced a two-year gap before pursuing higher education due to financial challenges. Those years were difficult, but they strengthened his resolve to create a better future for himself. Eventually, he applied to DU) to study Architectural Technology-a decision heavily influenced by his high school studies in Engineering Graphics and Design.
Being accepted at DUT marked a turning point in his life. DUT gave him the confidence to believe in his potential. The dynamic environment, with students from diverse cultures and backgrounds, opened his eyes to new possibilities and taught him not to limit himself because of his circumstances or upbringing. DUT also nurtured his entrepreneurial spirit. From his first year, he developed a reputation as a “hustler” among his peers, with many admiring his business mindset. This exposure instilled in him a drive not only to excel academically but also to think beyond the classroom and explore opportunities for growth and success.
“Looking back, my time at DUT was transformative. It allowed me to dream big, break barriers, and lay the foundation for a brighter future. My story is a testament to the power of perseverance, education, and the belief that one’s background does not define one’s destiny.”
His years as a tertiary student were far from smooth sailing.
“My years as a tertiary student were anything but smooth sailing. The challenges I faced were numerous and, at times, overwhelming. Losing my mother to cancer left a deep void in my life, and with her passing, I lost my primary source of emotional and financial support. My grandmother, relying solely on her pension, became my only pillar of support as I pursued my studies,” he said.
The responsibility to work hard and succeed weighed heavily on him. He felt immense pressure to excel, not only to build a better future for himself but also to support his grandmother and younger brother. Architecture, one of the most demanding courses at university, added to his challenges. Balancing the workload with his personal struggles was an uphill battle. There were months when he slept in classrooms due to the lack of time or space to rest properly. He would shower in the university’s basement showers, trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy. To make ends meet, he took on part-time jobs to cover his personal needs.
“Yet, despite the hardships, I never gave up. Every sleepless night and every challenge I overcame is a testament to their strength and the values they instilled in me,” recalls Sibisi.
Sibisi runs a business that specialises in architecture and product design. He takes a hands-on approach to managing projects, designing innovative solutions, and constantly networking to grow his business. Sibisi is currently in China studying at a university renowned for its specialisation in Digital business and cross-border e-commerce.
“My journey in China has been transformative. We are introduced to cutting-edge technologies and software that enhance digital business operations. A unique highlight of this experience is the exposure we get beyond the classroom. We visit some of the world’s biggest manufacturers and observe their advanced machinery and technologies in action—tools that power the global market,” explains Sibisi,
“I am building connections that will serve as bridges to the global market when I return to South Africa.”
Sibisi is currently working on a multifunctional chiropractor-approved compartmentalised carry-on bag. Designed with versatility, durability, and user health in mind, the bag aims to transform how professionals and travellers approach their daily routines. It incorporates advanced features designed for ergonomics and practicality, offering well-being and a sleek, modern design.
“As an architect and entrepreneur, I’ve always believed in creating solutions that merge functionality and design to improve people’s lives. This innovative product is not just another piece of luggage – it represents the next generation of travel and professional gear.”
“This journey would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the DUT Technology Transfer and Innovation Department. Their assistance filing a patent application for the technology has been instrumental in protecting the innovation behind this product,” says Sihle.
“I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the DUT Department of Alumnus, whose unwavering support has been the foundation of this project … I am confident that, with the continued support of these outstanding departments, we will achieve incredible milestones and bring transformative solutions to the global stage.”
Pictured: Sihle Sibisi
Article: DUT Connect Magazine
