FROM INTERN TO ENTREPRENEUR: DUT’s DUMO XABA LAUNCHES HIS OWN PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS
Durban University of Technology’s Centre for Social Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator (CSERI) is proud to celebrate the journey of one of its former interns, Dumo Namandla Xaba, who has transitioned from being a dedicated intern at the Centre to establishing his own photography business, Dumo Xaba Studios. At just 23 years old, Dumo is a photographer, filmmaker, and published author, making his mark in the creative industry.
Dumo, born and raised in Durban, is currently pursuing his Honors Degree in Photography at DUT. His passion for storytelling was sparked during his high school years at Kingsway High School, and further developed through volunteer work at Durban Christian Centre Jesus Dome, where he served as a videography volunteer for almost a decade. This hands-on experience in filmmaking laid the foundation for his creative journey.
“During my matric year, I started freelancing within the industry, and that has allowed me to work with many industry professionals on various exciting projects,” says Dumo. “Since I started my tertiary education, I’ve been able to pen and publish two poetry anthologies, The Legacy and Poetic Type of Love: Uthando Lwami, as well as two novels, A Dubious Alliance and Court Affairs: Lies & Allies. In 2023, I graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Commercial Photography, which has been an exciting journey that led me to where I am now.”
Dumo founded Dumo Xaba Studios in April 2023, with the tagline “Turning Visions into Visuals.” His company focuses on photography and video production, offering both creative services and marketing solutions for businesses. Despite still pursuing his studies, Dumo has managed to grow his company, employing two people and developing a database of freelancers for larger projects.
Balancing business and academics are a challenge, but Dumo has mastered the art of time management. “For someone who is still furthering his studies, balancing schoolwork and business isn’t easy, but it’s achievable. The key is effective time management and allocating specific times for tasks and finding a routine that works for you,” he explains. “While business demands attention almost around the clock, it’s essential to establish a rhythm and make it a habitual part of your daily life. In my case, I’m fortunate that the busiest period for businesses in my industry coincides with the weekends, allowing me to concentrate on school during the weekdays and focus on business on weekends.”
Dumo’s time as an intern at CSERI has played a significant role in shaping his entrepreneurial journey. “Working with the Centre has given me access to invaluable business information, from operations to marketing, customer service, and so forth,” he says. “The Centre and its stakeholders carry a wealth of knowledge; whenever I visit, I often leave with a new way of improving my business or an additional way of making money, which, after all, is the goal of any business—you don’t start a business to lose money.”
The CSERI team is proud of Dumo’s achievements and looks forward to seeing his continued success. His vision for the next five years is ambitious: “I see my company becoming a photography and videography powerhouse for advertisements and movies, while also inspiring and educating people through our podcast, The Do More Show, and other training mediums for aspiring photographers and filmmakers.”
Dumo’s journey from a passionate intern to a business owner is a testament to the opportunities and support available at DUT’s CSERI, and a shining example of what young entrepreneurs can achieve with the right guidance and dedication.
Story by Nomvelo Mkhwanazi
