It is a proud moment for the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Short Course Unit staff member, Sudhika Palhad who will be obtaining her Master’s degree in Public Administration (Public Management) at the DUT 2023 Autumn Graduation ceremony at the Olive Convention Centre on Saturday, 27 May 2023.

She dedicates this achievement to her son, whom she says would often stay up with her at night when she was studying and observe what she was doing even though he didn’t completely understand it.

“I love my son and I hope that one day he will understand all the sacrifices I had to make as a woman and mother to prove my worth in the world,” said Palhad.

Palhad listed being a full-time mother to a four-year-old boy as a challenge. She said that playing a mother role to her son meant she had to study long-hours at night and as a result she struggled to manage studies, work and being a mother at the same time. Moreover, Palhad added that her last year of study tested her a lot especially with both her parents contracting COVID-19.

The dedicated Palhad is currently enrolled with Varsity College for her Postgraduate Certificate in Education. She is also a Project Manager at the Short Course Unit and manages the INSETA Research Chair in Digitalisation project at DUT. INSETA is one of DUT’s biggest research and training partners therefore Palhad hopes to be on top of her game on the work front.

“I want to work as a lecturer at DUT. I first started at DUT as a Research Intern, I then became a Project Coordinator and now I am a Project Manager. I believe that with my Master’s and a distinction, I have proven that I have excellent research and academic skills. I therefore hope to continue my journey at DUT,” she said.

Palhad advised students to always remember what brought them to the university. She stressed that making it to university in itself is a great achievement which one must never take for granted.

“Remember a degree is not just a piece of paper, it is something that no one will ever take away from you. Always put yourself and your dreams first because no one else is going to do it for you,” said Palhad

Pictured: Sudhika Palhad

(Picture: supplied)

Nikiwe Sukazi