Yoivani Govender’s case proved that passion was not something one can just shy away from. After registering for Textile Design, within a week she knew her passion was somewhere else which was Interior Design. It turned out that following her passion was the best decision ever for Govender. She had to deregister in Textile Design and reregister for Interior Design.
“When I had registered to study textile design, ten minutes into a lecture it was evident that my passion was elsewhere. I went back to the drawing board, ‘shopping’ for other courses to pursue, and my gut instinct was to delve into the world of Interior Design. This decision marked a significant turning point in my academic pursuits. I found myself captivated and committed to this new path,’’ she said.
Govender (25) is enrolled in the Master of Applied Arts at the Durban University of Technology. She graduated with her Postgraduate Diploma in Interior Design Cum Laude with the Dean’s Merit Award at the Durban University of Technology graduation ceremony, Olive Convention Centre, Durban, on Tuesday (28 May 2024).
Currently working as a full-time Built Environment lecturer at Inscape Education Group, hailing from Pinetown, Durban, Govender expressed how proud she was of herself and claimed that obtaining the Dean’s Merit was so rewarding.
“It was completely rewarding to know that hard work, dedication, and consistent growth can contribute to achieving superior results. I am proud of my growth and humbled by the recognition of my achievement. This would not have been possible without the support of my family and resolute lecturers,’’ she said.
She revealed that as a designer, the DUT ENVISION2030 principles and values she associates herself with are of integrity and transparency. “Being authentic in this industry is crucial in being able to understand and connect with people. We design for people; therefore, we first need to understand them,’’ she said.
Sharing her plans, Govender said that after completing her Master of Applied Arts, she aims to continue in the lecturing field whilst still freelancing as an Interior Designer. She further expressed how much she enjoys teaching and sharing the knowledge passed down from DUT and industry. “I would also like to continue designing spaces that make people feel celebrated,’’ she added.
Pictured: Yoivani Govender
Vukani Langa
