Kiara Ramdial was recognised as the top student for the Advanced Diploma in Apparel Technology. She graduated Cum Laude and obtained the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony, which was held at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban on Monday, 19 May 2025.
At the graduation ceremony, the 26-year-old Ramdial from Durban was applauded for her academic excellence.
Sharing her excitement on being named as one of the top achievers of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ramdial said: “Honestly, it makes me really proud. I was never the ‘A-student’ growing up, maths and science just weren’t my thing. But I always believed I would find a field where I could thrive, and that’s exactly what happened.”
Her DUT journey began in 2017 when she enrolled for her Diploma in Clothing Management. Her passion for the development of the clothing industry led her to further her studies.
“During my Diploma studies, I was a full-time student. But in my Advanced Diploma, I had to juggle work and studies, which was definitely a challenge. Plus, after a four year gap between qualifications, getting back into the study mode was not easy but with time and lots of coffee, I found my rhythm again. From a young age, I always knew that I wanted to be part of the clothing industry. I have been fascinated by fashion not just the creativity and design aspects, but also the deeper stories behind garments, the people who make them, and the impact the industry has on the world,” shared Ramdial.
Amongst the DUT Living Values she associated mostly with integrity, accountability and respect. For Ramdial, integrity guided her throughout her academic journey, striving to do the right thing, even when no one was watching. She feels integrity has shaped her character and the way she approaches things.
“Accountability is something I have carried with me in every aspect of my studies, especially when it comes to meeting deadlines. I have always believed in taking responsibility for my actions and doing my part with commitment and consistency. Lastly, respect is at the heart of how I engage with others throughout all aspects of my life. These are values that I will continue to carry into the next chapter of my life, both personally and professionally,” reiterated Ramdial.
According to Ramdial, through her research project she discovered a significant gap in research within the South African clothing industry, particularly in areas like sustainable practices, ethical production, and the support of local manufacturers. She indicated that this experience opened her eyes to how much work still needs to be done. Her aim is to focus on increasing local production. She wants to do her part in strengthening the South African clothing industry by promoting locally made products, and encouraging consumers to value homegrown fashion.
“I now see that my path may include further study and research to better understand the systems at play. I am excited by the idea of combining my creative, entrepreneurial, and academic interests to contribute meaningfully to a thriving local fashion economy,” shared Ramdial.
She was recently offered an opportunity to become a tutor in the Department of Apparel Technology at DUT, where she will get a chance to share her skills and knowledge with students that come after her.
She had an opportunity to submit a journal based on her research project. Her project focused on analysing the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion in South Africa.
Pictured: Top achiever, Kiara Ramdial.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.
Simangele Zuma
