Page 4 - The Edge Newsletter Sept 2023

FOAD’S KENNETH SHANDU SHINES IN HIS SOLO ART EXHIBITION AT THE DUT SATELLITE GALLERY
The Faculty of Art and Design’s (FoAD) Fine Art master’s student and Arts extended programme teaching assistant, Kenneth Shandu recently held his solo exhibition
titled Outside-In opening at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Satellite Gallery.
The FoAD executive Dean Professor Runette Kruger in her welcoming remarks mentioned that Shandu’s work uses different techniques which includes printmaking, sculpture, and installation. Shandu’s body of work on the exhibition focuses on the effects of economic exclusion. Some of the works that Shandu showcased included “Umthwalo the Burden” “Outside-In” and “Wounds of the past”.
Kenneth Shandu said that the exhibition is titled “Outside-In” because he aims to bring everyone in, to begin to understand the struggles that this marginalised group
came across.
“The work that I am showcasing is the work that was proposed when
I won the Emma Smith Art Award Scholarship in 2018, the exhibition
is about marginalised people specifically homeless people, I am looking at their experiences. I titled the exhibition “Outside-In” because I am bringing viewers into the experiences of these people, my attempt with the work is to try to bring you in, to understand the feelings of these people.,” he expressed.
Shandu mentioned that the dominant material in his work is cardboard. “I make use of cardboard because it is the material that they normally use. Cardboard is collected and sold to make money; and temporary shelters are often made with cardboard,” he said.
Nathan Thomas, a Visual Communication Design lecturer said that he met Shandu through the Emma Art Award Smith Scholarship where he presented
his work, and this is where his work won everyone’s hearts.
“The first time I met him, I was a part of the Emma Smith Award judging panel; it was a particular sculptural installation that you did which was the legs and these boxes piled on top and I remember seeing that and immediately thinking that this is the one, your work spoke so deeply to everyone it really did, your work won all of our hearts so well done and I can see that sort of the same narrative in this work. It is just beautiful, so thank you for sharing it with us, all
the best,” he said.
Pictured: Kenneth Shandu and FoAD’s Executive Dean: Prof Runette Kruger.
Sthembile Ndlovu
4
RISING STARS
DUT GRADUATE THABISO MAVUNDLA ASPIRES TO BE A GREAT ENTREPRENEUR
Alumni, Thabiso Mavundla is a devoted young businessman who aspires for his businesses to grow and contribute to the South African economy by creating job opportunities, especially for the youth. Mavundla (26) grew up in Port Shepstone in a small township called Gamalakhe. He holds a National Diploma, Advanced Diploma in Ecotourism Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration obtained at the Durban University of Technology (DUT).
He is the founder and CEO of Dikoruhm Financial Services Provider which was established in 2019 and Mthimude Enterprise established in 2021. Currently, Dikoruhm FSP has one permanent employee and Mthimude Enterprise has five part-time employees, some are students at DUT. “Growing up I encountered a lot of financial crises and always wanted to be an entrepreneur to gain financial freedom.As an individual who has always been passionate about selling, while still a student l opened a perfume business and sold to other students within the residences. A few students would then seek financial assistance and I would help them, the numbers kept growing. I then decided to research about the micro lending business and compliance; and that is how Dikoruhm was established. Dikoruhm FSP is more of an online business and our service is quicker as we always strive to provide the best customer services,” explained Mavundla.
Moreover, Mavundla expressed that being a Financial Services Provider did not stop his enthusiasm for selling. After observing that cafaterias on campuses are
not working, in 2021 he opened a tuckshop (Mthimude Enterprise) located in Pietermaritzburg at the entrance to the Durban DUT Indumiso Campus which provides fast food for students.
“I have experienced the life of being a student and sometimes a person is unable to cook daily due to too much work such as assignments, presentations, and preparing for exams, as a result, sometimes students need to get a quick meal which is exactly what Mthimude Enterprise provides to the students at an affordable price. The tuck shop is supported by surrounding community members, DUT and TVET college students and we appreciate them,” said Mavundla.
According to Mavundla to succeed in a business one has to be disciplined, emotionally intelligent, have good listening skills and acquire relevant qualifications that can assist in uplifting the business.
“Running a business is not easy but I always tell myself
that giving up is not an option. It is very important to be disciplined especially with money and always ensure to save the profit made. As an entrepreneur, remember to control your emotions and put the business first, because sometimes friends, family members or close people would request favours such as discounts and that can negatively affect the business,” he said.
When describing his role model Mavundla mentioned that he looks up to Kukhanya Mndeni Ndaba because of the great things he has done and achieved at a young age, he never stopped empowering himself and success does not stop him from hustling for more.
Dikoruhm has an office at 6568 Mooki Street Orlando East Soweto, Gauteng, but everyone in South Africa can reach them online at www.dikoruhm.ac.za.
Pictured: Thabiso Mavundla Zanele Mashaba
Photographer: Siyabonga Sibiya