ALUMNI

My journey since St Nix 2010 has taken me through television presenting, film, live performance, journalism, graphic design, baking, entrepreneurship, marketing and communications.

Today, I work in the finance and insurance sector, managing marketing and communications, coordinating branches and collaborating with teams across Zimbabwe.

I am also a mother to two incredible humans who are my greatest motivation and adventure. Motherhood, work and entrepreneurship have taught me resilience, courage and the value of embracing life’s unexpected turns.

I remain grateful for the foundation St Nicholas gave me and for every chapter that followed. My path has not always been clear, but each challenge has strengthened me, each season has shaped me and faith has reminded me that I never walk alone. As a mother, I hope my children learn that resilience is not simply enduring life’s uncertainties, but continuing forward with courage, purpose and trust in the God who leads.

My journey into technology has been shaped by curiosity, resilience and a commitment to continuous learning. My time at St Nicholas gave me a strong foundation in learning, discipline and personal growth, which continued to guide me throughout my studies at Varsity College Durban North.

It was at Varsity College that my interest in technology developed into a clear career path. Through studying, working on projects and embracing new challenges, I discovered a passion for software development and problem-solving.

Today, I work as a software developer, using technology to create practical solutions and solve complex problems. My journey has taught me that success in this industry is not only about technical knowledge, but also about staying curious, adapting to change and never stopping learning.
I’m proud of the journey that began at St Nicholas and excited to continue building a career focused on innovation, growth and meaningful work.

After matriculating, Ruth Zulu went on to Rhodes University, where she completed her undergraduate degree in Organisational Psychology and Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, developing an interest in people, performance and the systems they work within.

She then took a gap year with the Destiny Leadership Academy through One Life Church, an experience that allowed her to travel, serve others and grow through leadership and community-based experiences. Ruth returned to Rhodes to complete her Honours in Human Kinetics and Ergonomics, whilst working as a Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Eastern Cape Academy of Sport. She currently completing her Master’s in Human Kinetics and Ergonomics and working at Kingswood College as a Student Assistant and Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Looking back, her experiences in leadership, sport, academics and working with people have all shaped her growing interest in ergonomics and human-centred systems.She is looking forward to completing her Master’s and entering the ergonomics industry, where she hopes to contribute to creating safer, more effective workplaces and a better understanding of how people interact with the systems around them.

Thembekile Confidence Nontobeko Zuma (29) who is behind Confi's Confections! From discovering her love for baking at just 13, she also baked and sold chocolate muffins when she was doing her first year and second year at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where she was doing her Degree. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, she had to leave university. That's when she started her baking business at Impendle in 2016 from her home, later moving out of home into her own working space in 2021.

Confidence has turned her passion into a thriving bakery. Located at the heart of Impendle, Confi's Confections is a grab-and-go bakery known for its mouthwatering scones, novelty cakes, cookies, muffins, desserts, and a variety of yeast-based goods. Beyond their delicious treats, they offer baking classes, catering services, and host pop-up cake sales around town. Confi's Confection’s goal is to bring joy through baking to everyone in Impendle, whilst also creating job opportunities.

Confidence is now in the process of opening her second branch in Pietermaritzburg.

Professor Nomalanga Mkhize is currently the interim Director of the Transdisciplinary Institute for Mandela Studies at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha.

Nomalanga was part of the inaugural Std 5 (Grade 7) class in 1993 when St Nicholas was under the late Mr Anthony van Velden who was known as “Sir”. The 1993 Grade 7 class had no more than 10 pupils – 3 girls and 7 boys. At St Nic’s she was a Prefect, learned piano, and was in the choir. She went on to Epworth High School on a scholarship in 1994 and was appointed Head Girl in 1998.

Since then, Nomalanga has pursued an academic career and obtained a Master’s in History from Rhodes University and doctorate from the University of Cape Town in Sociology which led to an accomplished career as an academic and professor of History. Her academic career started at Rhodes University in 2004 and she has served at many levels across the education sector. These include, amongst others, - Head of Department as well as Director for School of Governmental and Social Sciences in the Faculty of Humanities at Nelson Mandela University, serving on the board of the National Research Foundation, the Ministerial Task Team for History, the board of the Institute for Social and Economic Research at Rhodes University, and currently she is the Chief Editor for Special Issues for the Journal of Contemporary African Studies.

Outside of academia, Nomalanga has had a visible media presence. She was the expert presenter on the acclaimed SABC documentary series Shoreline. She also published a highly successful children’s history book titled In Africa with Avi and Kumbi which went on to be translated and published in Dutch in the Netherlands. She has also written for publications such as the Business Day, The Herald, The Daily Dispatch amongst others.

Nomalanga remembers St Nicholas fondly for its homely, rigorous, values-based and African-centred educational ethos where a strong culture of reading and scientific curiosity was fostered.

Lungelo Ntombela started at St Nicholas in Grade 3 in 2012 under Mrs Dobson. He matriculated at St Nicholas in 2021 and had the honour of being 2nd in grade, and receiving the All-Rounder trophy.

In 2022, he started his adult journey at the university of Johannesburg. Pursuing a degree in Marketing, Lungelo graduated with his undergraduate degree in 2025 and his post graduate in Bcom Marketing in 2026. Whilst at UJ, he was awarded a scholarship from the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation where he now stands as a “fellow” of the esteem foundation.

In 2025 Lungelo started his working career with Haleon as a Marketing graduate, where he worked with major brands like Sensodyne, Aquafresh and Parodontax. During his time at Haleon, he had the opportunity of working on some brilliant projects and innovation, including the launch of Sensodyne kids. A first of its kind in South Africa! Lungelo joined Clover as an Assistant Brand Manager under Tropika at the end of 2025. Here he has had the wonderful opportunity on being part of very exciting projects, for example, the Tropika Ginger Beer launch in collaboration with the phenomenal Esther Mahlangu and Tropika Island of Treasure. Lungelo has since returned to Haleon and is currently the Brand Manager for Eno.

Sihle Mofokeng is an ecosystem-builder with over a decade of experience advancing entrepreneurship, education, and economic inclusion. Through his work at Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy South Africa, he convenes stakeholders, drives advocacy and movement-building initiatives that elevate artisan careers and entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic growth. Sihle holds a Bachelor of Social Science and a BCom Honours degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and a Management Development Programme qualification from Stellenbosch Business School. A proud old boy of St Nicholas, Sihle now serves on the school Board giving back to the place where it all began.