The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has played a significant role in the personal and academic growth of 24-year-old Cebo Mbatha. DUT has provided Mbatha with a platform to explore new opportunities, engage with diverse perspectives, and develop a global mindset. He successfully graduated with Cum Laude and the Dean’s Merit award in his Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Electronic Engineering at the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation ceremony on Tuesday, 27 March 2025 at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban.
Mbatha’s team competed against top universities across South Africa and secured a notable third-place finish in the Eurdyce Acceleration programme. Their innovative project involved developing a proposed autonomous drone system capable of flying independently and recharging wirelessly when its battery is depleted.
After winning the competition in 2023, Mbatha was nominated to attend a prestigious winter school in Russia. He mentioned that during his time in Russia, they gained invaluable insights into ongoing projects and cutting-edge technologies. He also indicated that the experience allowed them to explore the region, network with global experts, and gain a deeper understanding of the international landscape of technology development and automation.
“I believe in DUT’s living values and principles of which are professionalism, commitment, compassion, respect, and excellence. Throughout my journey, these principles have been my guiding force. Professionalism has kept me grounded, commitment has driven my consistency, compassion has motivated me to help others, and excellence has inspired me to strive beyond mere passing to achieve true excellence,” he added.
He credited his mother as a great source of inspiration, highlighting her unwavering emotional and financial support.“The power of respecting and honouring my mother has been a significant driving force behind my achievements. She has been instrumental in helping me purchase components for my projects. Her guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love has not only shaped me into the person I am today but have also instilled in me the resilience and determination to pursue my dreams,” added Mbatha.
His passion for research drives him to aspire to become a researcher in specialised fields such as Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Radio Frequency, and Automation. As he pursues his master’s degree in electronic engineering, he also aims to contribute meaningfully to these areas while mentoring and supporting future engineers, fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth in the scientific community.
He described graduating with Cum Laude as a milestone that reflected his hard work and dedication. He further stated that sharing the news with his family was particularly meaningful, as seeing their pride and joy made the achievement even more special.
“Be curious, ask questions, seek help when needed, and reciprocate by helping others. Most importantly, set your sights high aim for excellence, not just passing. With the right mindset and dedication, achieving distinctions is within reach. Remember, personal growth and development occur when you push beyond your comfort zone,” he narrated.
He concluded by expressing his sincere appreciation to the Electronic Engineering department for providing him with the platform to address first-year students, sharing his knowledge and experiences. He also extended his heartfelt gratitude to his lecturers, who played a pivotal role in shaping his future, fostering his growth, and inspiring him to reach his full potential.
Pictured: Cebo Mbatha
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
