Despite difficulties he had encountered while studying, Jayendran Pillay found a way to balance his studies, work and family life and graduated Cum-Laude with the Deans Merit Award in a National Diploma in Public Management at DUT Steve Biko Sports Centre on Wednesday, 02 September 2015.

“I feel ecstatic, humbled and over-whelmed to have graduated with a Cum-Laude and to have received the Dean’s Merit Award. I am currently a supervisor at South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA), with aspirations to become a manager. I hope to be able to improve service delivery and transform SASSA into a world leader in delivery of social security services. I want to also share my knowledge as well as motivate and empower the youth to achieve and become valuable members in society,” said Pillay.

He also added that he had faced challenges and even though he has a disability, he did not allow it to hinder him from attending evening classes, doing additional research and regularly burning the midnight oil.

“I remained ambitious, focused and determined to succeed. I have a son and daughter that are studying at tertiary level, so as a father I wanted to set a precedent for my children to emulate,” he said.
Pillay also gathered inspiration from the late President Nelson Mandela, and mentioned that if Mandela could overcome all obstacles to qualify with a law degree whilst in prison, then nothing stops those who wish to study in this free democratic society to achieve equally or more.

He also hopes that by receiving his diploma, he will be able to transform, improve and upgrade public service delivery, using his academic skills, experience and knowledge. He wants to do his B-tech next year, 2016, followed by his Master’s degree and aims to eventually become a lecturer at DUT.

Mxolisi Ntanzi
Pictured-Jayendran Pillay graduates with a National Diploma in Public Management and receives the Dean Merit award at DUT Steve Biko Sports Centre.