FOR years UKZN graduation ceremonies have delivered some of the institution’s most memorable moments, with Executive Director of Corporate Relations Dr Normah Zondo working behind the scenes alongside the Registrar’s Office to shape the high-profile events.

Also read: Search is on for Durban North’s ‘missing 800’

This autumn, however, Zondo flipped the script, stepping into the spotlight herself to don the coveted red gown as she graduates with a doctoral degree.

Her doctoral journey was sparked by a disconnect she observed in her work: the gap between official institutional narratives of mobility and students’ lived experiences in international mobility programmes.

Moving beyond statistics, her thesis explored the full student mobility lifecycle, from departure to return, revealing that international mobility is a long-term developmental process rather than a once-off event.

“Before leaving, students rely on the University to navigate a ‘hidden curriculum’. Abroad, they undertake significant emotional and relational work to find a sense of belonging in unfamiliar spaces. Yet upon return, many lack the support needed to translate those global experiences into local academic and professional success,” she explains.

A key insight of Zondo’s research is that these journeys are not experienced equally. Students without established networks or prior exposure often carry a heavier burden, making the experience both transformative and exhausting.

By reframing mobility as a developmental journey rather than a simple transaction, her work provides what she describes as a roadmap for equity and inclusion within the South African context.

“My research shifts the focus from just granting access to ensuring quality support throughout the entire process. Ultimately, it’s about helping students build confidence and agency on a global stage,” she said.

Balancing her studies with her executive role at UKZN and responsibilities as president of the International Education Association of SA (IEASA), Zondo approached her PhD as a long-term leadership project, often conducting research and writing in the early hours of the morning, late evenings and over weekends.

“The process was complex and exacting. Balancing concurrent responsibilities required careful calibration and sustained attentiveness to competing demands. What made this dual leadership possible was not only personal commitment but the strength, reliability, and collective professionalism of the teams with whom I worked,” she said.

For Zondo, the red gown represents endurance and persistence.

“Receiving unanimous approval from all three examiners was a deeply gratifying moment; it confirmed that these often-overlooked student narratives actually carry immense scholarly weight,” she said.

“This PhD is not an endpoint; it is a continuation of a life dedicated to ensuring that the transformative power of Higher Education is not just accessible, but celebrated for all.”

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or  Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here