What Thavisha Odayar (29) has accomplished is remarkable and how she has done it; is inspiring. She obtained her fourth qualification which is Post Graduate Diploma in Management Sciences in Quality with Cum Laude and Deans Merit Award at Durban University of Technology (DUT). The graduation ceremony was held on Wednesday, 21 May 2025 at Olive Convention Centre (OCC) in Durban.
Her journey reflects resilience and the never give up spirit. Graduating Cum Laude with the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award for the second time consecutively reflects Odayar’s dedication and hard work over the years.
“I am ecstatic It is truly an honour to be given such a prestigious accolade. Being able to obtain this achievement in my Advanced Diploma year was unbelievable, and to receive this in my Postgraduate Diploma year just leaves me speechless,” she described.
The ambitious Odayar extended her appreciation to her nearest and dearest ones for all their love, and support and most importantly to God, who made all this possible.
Born in Chatsworth, Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, Odayar’s DUT journey started in 2014, when she registered for a National Diploma in Biotechnology. In 2017, after the completion of my Work Integrated Learning (WIL), she embarked on the journey to further her studies and registered for the BTech program in Biotechnology.
After a three-year rollercoaster, she finally completed her BTech Degree. Then in 2023, after being exposed to the different elements of the Industry Life. She decided to pursue an Advanced Diploma in Quality to broaden her horizons.
The biggest challenge she faced was having to juggle a full-time job and part-time studies while maintaining a household and taking care of her family, but with some effective time management and prioritisation, she managed to excel in her academics.
One of the DUT Living Values and Principles she resonates the most with are Honesty and Integrity. She underlined that being honest and truly being yourself will get you to greater heights than following any crowd would.
She believes that there is no limit in learning and expanding your knowledge. There is always something new to learn. It is therefore vital to always grab these opportunities with both hands. Hence why she plans to further her academic career as she intends to pursue a Master of Philosophy in the field of Quality.
Odayar aspire to build a solid career in the food safety/quality department of the food manufacturing industry, whilst still expanding her knowledge academically. She believes that there are no limits to the heights that one can reach and no matter how far-fetched the goal may seem, taking the little steps now will propel ones to thier ultimate goals.
Advising the first years, Odayar said “It only seems impossible until it is done. You will encounter many hardships along the way, but do not ever let that get you down. Always believe in yourself, work hard and follow your dreams. Remember that consistency is key, and no matter what you, do it with a murderous intent,’’ she explained.
Presently she is employed as a Sherq Officer in their Syrup Plant at Illovo Sugar. Her role includes maintaining all the health, safety, environmental, risk and quality systems of the plant which contributes to providing a world class quality product to customers.
Pictured: Thavisha Odayar
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Vukani Langa
