In overcoming all challenges, Meloshnee Perumal (26), a driven and ambitious lass, achieved Cum Laude for the second time, with great ease excelling in her field of study, Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Industrial Engineering. Perumal graduated at the Durban University of Technology’s DUT’s 2025 Autumn graduation on Tuesday, 27 May 2025 at the Olive Convention Centre(OCC) in Durban.
Perumal revealed that one of her biggest challenges was balancing work, studies, and married life, requiring exceptional time management and discipline. She also struggled with maintaining high academic performance, often sacrificing personal time to excel.
“Graduating with Cum Laude for the second time is incredibly fulfilling. It represents dedication, perseverance, and sacrifices made to balance work, studies, and personal commitments. Earning cum laude twice reinforces my belief in hard work and resilience. This milestone belongs to those who supported me, and it strengthens my passion for industrial engineering and lifelong learning. With determination and the right support, anything is possible,” said Perumal.
For Perumal, the DUT living values that resonated with her were transparency, integrity, and accountability. She stated that transparency guided her approach to open communication, honesty, and clarity in both academics and her profession. Perumal also emphasised the importance of accountability, noting that managing multiple responsibilities required discipline and ownership. She added that these values had shaped her academic journey and approach to her career as a junior industrial engineer, and that she would continue to uphold them as she grew and contributed to the field.
Reflecting on her journey at DUT, Perumal recalls the excitement of joining an institution that produces excellence in academics and being guided by lecturers who are highly experienced.
Sharing her goals, Perumal expressed her ambition to establish herself as a highly skilled and impactful professional industrial engineer. In the short term, she aims to gain hands-on experience by working on projects that enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency.
As she progresses in her career, she aspires to take on leadership roles where she can drive strategic decision-making and lead continuous improvement initiatives. Her particular interest lies in sustainability and waste management in manufacturing, and she hopes to play a pivotal role in developing systems that promote environmentally responsible practices.
In the long term, she plans to further her studies by pursuing a master’s degree to deepen her expertise. She also envisions contributing to industrial engineering research and mentoring aspiring engineers, sharing the knowledge and experience she has gained.
To first-year industrial engineering students, Perumal advises: “Stay curious and open-minded; the field is broad. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Persistence is key, so maintain a positive attitude and strive for continuous improvement. Remember, it’s okay to fail-each step shapes your growth as an engineer and a person.”
She recently embarked on a new chapter in her career, joining Massmart Holdings as a supply chain graduate. She expressed her enthusiasm about applying her industrial engineering expertise in a supply chain, eager to contribute to Massmart’s success while further developing her skills.
“With a year of experience as an Engineering graduate in a textile company and I am confident that this added experience will significantly enhance my industrial engineering career,” she explained.
Perumal concluded by saying, “They are absolutely overjoyed and incredibly proud. I get my strong work ethic and commitment to high standards from my mother, who has always been my source of inspiration throughout my life.”
Pictured: Meloshnee Perumal
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
