Janelle Denae Govender (22) graduated Cum Laude and received the esteemed Dean’s Merit Award after completing her Bachelor of Journalism degree at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) during the 2026 Autumn Graduation ceremony. It was held at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC) on Thursday, 21 May 2026.
“Graduating Cum Laude with Dean’s Merit Award, this recognition has been incredibly humbling for me. It is something I hold with deep gratitude rather than pride. More than anything, this achievement belongs to my parents and my family. I would not be here without their sacrifices, their prayers, and the quiet ways they supported me throughout my journey,” she expressed.
Govender described her time at DUT as a journey that extended far beyond lectures, assignments, and examinations. Throughout her studies, she developed confidence, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of herself and the world around her.
“One of the defining moments of my first year was participating in a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project, where I worked alongside international students over several months. The experience exposed me to different cultures and perspectives, while teaching me the importance of communication and collaboration in a global environment,” said Govender.
She explained that engaging with students from different countries broadened her outlook and challenged her to think more critically about how people can interpret the same issues differently. The project also strengthened her communication skills and helped shape the way she approaches storytelling and interaction with others.
Govender said the practical nature of the journalism programme at DUT also played a major role in her development. From first year, students were required to interact with people, conduct interviews, create media content, and work in real-world environments.
According to Govender, the continuous exposure to professional situations gradually built her confidence and taught her how to communicate effectively in unfamiliar spaces. She believes these experiences prepared her for the realities of the media industry long before entering professional workplaces.
“During my final year, I completed internship hours in professional newsrooms, which was an eye-opening experience for me. Working alongside editors and journalists allowed me to experience the pace, pressure, and responsibility associated with the profession, while also giving me a deeper understanding of the realities of the media industry,” Govender expressed.
The newsroom experience also helped her realise that she could navigate professional spaces and learning through experience. She gained a greater appreciation for ethical communication, teamwork, and the importance of accuracy within journalism.
“Another memorable experience during my studies was participating in an overnight educational trip with the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, where we explored parts of the Freedom Route. The experience encouraged me to reflect on South Africa’s history, identity, and social progress in a more personal way,” she explained.
When asked which DUT living value and principle she resonates with most, she highlighted respect. She explained that respect stands out to her not because it is the easiest value to practice, but because of how far it can take a person in life. She added that respect is not only about how one treats people in authority or in formal spaces, but also about how one listens, how one responds, and how one carries themselves when no one is watching.
Govender is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Journalism Honours degree at DUT and hopes to continue towards a Master’s degree and eventually a PhD. She aims to build a career within the broader media and communications field, particularly in areas such as digital media, communications, and content development.
She encouraged first-year students to stay focused on their studies, attend classes consistently, and take full responsibility for their academic journey. She also emphasised the importance of not being afraid to ask questions whenever they do not understand something, explaining that seeking clarity early can make a significant difference in academic performance and overall confidence.
Pictured: Janelle Denae Govender received Dean’s Merit for Academic Excellence at the OCC.
Khulasande Tshayile
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
