The Spring graduation at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) began this morning, 06 September 2018 at the DUT Fred Crookes Sports Centre in Durban, with the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment opening this graduation season.

With whistles, cheers and ululations all-round, over 280 students from the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment walked on stage to be conferred with their qualifications.

National Diploma graduate in Civil Engineering, Nompilo Shezi said the journey was worth sleepless nights. She also mentioned prayer as an important aspect of her studies.

“I am very excited to graduate today; I cannot even express my joy. It was a long journey of studying, with sleepless nights in between. To celebrate this achievement, I am going with my family to Pietermaritzburg, and I am expecting a lot of celebrations in the evening. ,” said Shezi delightedly.

Credo Madlala who graduated with a National Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology thanked everyone who supported him and highlighted hardwork as key to him obtaining his qualification.

“This is such a great feeling; it is something which I have anticipated for a long time. The field of Engineering is not easy, so I have to put a lot of effort into my studies. It was hardwork all the time,” said Madlala.

Providing closing remarks during the morning session, the Executive Dean for the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Professor Theo Andrew congratulated the graduates and the parents who supported them along the way.

“Congratulations to all our graduates, your graduation today is a significant outcome in the investment you have made over the last three years or so.  I know some of you would have taken longer but that is okay,” said Prof. Andrew.

“It is also a significant outcome of the sacrifices of your parents and guardians. Without them you really would not have made it this far,” added Prof Andrew.

He also revealed plans to improve the programmes within the faculty.  “Next week the faculty will host a team of over 30 professionals from the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and the international Engineering Association, we will spend three days examining all aspects of our programmes for the purpose of accreditation for the next five years,” explained Prof Andrew.

Pictured: Excited graduates from today’s graduation ceremony.

Sandile Lukhozi