Excellence is a practice that has become synonymous with Master of Science (Agriculture) (Plant Science) graduate Siyabonga Ntshalintshali.
On Friday, 15 May 2026, as the 24-year-old received his qualification, the occasion marked the closure of a chapter that began with a few glitches yet concluded with an 83% final mark for his research study.
“To be honest, it feels like a dream,” Ntshalintshali said about his accomplishment. “I can’t wait to enter into a new chapter. I appreciate God Almighty.”
Ntshalintshali’s master’s journey began in 2024. While some of his peers quickly navigated the demands of the master’s level, he contended with a peculiar problem of involuntarily changing supervisors. His first two supervisors resigned from the University of Zululand (UNIZULU), resulting in unforeseen administrative delays on his end. Fortunately, Dr Lungelo Buthelezi, one of the lecturers in the Department of Botany, took him under his wing.
Dr Buthelezi showed commitment to Ntshalintshali and provided unwavering support – deeds which the graduate is deeply appreciative of.
For Dr Buthelezi, supervising Ntshalintshali was an honour because he displayed so much untapped potential and embodied essential characteristics necessary for a master’s student: exceptional work ethic, commitment to studies, and unwavering determination to excel.
“What makes Siyabonga truly remarkable is not only his academic achievements but the way he carries himself as a scholar: focused, driven, and quietly confident in his abilities. Seeing him flourish at this level is both a proud and humbling experience,” he enthused.
Ntshalintshali’s studiousness is also acknowledged by his co-supervisor, Dr Mbukeni Andrew Nkomo, who also emphasised his humble disposition. “When I first met Siyabonga Ntshalintshali, I affectionately called him “Joseph,” inspired by the biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colours, because I immediately saw a young man with vision, resilience, and purpose,” he said.
His quiet confidence and willingness to learn are traits that Dr Nkomo reckons will take Ntshalintshali far in academia and life in general.
This fruitful student-supervisor relationship not only yielded outstanding results for the graduate’s thesis but launched him as a published scholar as well. His literature review chapter was published in the Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science and his two experimental chapters appeared in BMC Plant Biology and the journal Plants. In addition, the graduate contributed to three other peer-reviewed papers while pursuing his master’s degree, bringing his total number of published papers to six.
This exceptional academic performance builds from that of his undergraduate years. NtshaliNtshali devoted himself to his studies – a tradition that secured him a spot in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering’s top five graduates when he graduated in 2024.
Throughout his studies, three things have remained constant for Ntshalintshali: his faith in God, dedication and the unending support of his family and best friend Asakhe Duma. Although his family couldn’t physically attend his special day, the graduate had his best friend by his side. The family will commemorate Ntshalintshali’s achievement back home in Ntuzuma, Durban soon.
– Naledi Hlefane
Picture: Xolani Ncube
