At just 20 years old, Bradley Govindasamy’s from Stanger, KwaZulu-Natal graduated from Durban University of Technology (DUT) this May 2025, not only earning his degree but doing so with top honours, Cum Laude and the prestigious Dean’s merit award. His journey is one of dedication and commitment to academic excellence, proving that success knows no age when driven by passion and perseverance.

Bradley began his journey at DUT in 2022, pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering. He explained his journey as one that has been filled with both challenges and growth.

“From my first year at university, I was exposed to new ways of thinking, dedicated lecturers, and amazing peers who pushed me to strive for excellence,” he shared. The transition from high school to university was eye-opening, requiring him to become more independent, disciplined, and adaptable.

His passion for mechanical engineering began from a childhood curiosity about how things work. As a child, he would dismantle his toys, experiment with their components, and attempt to put them back together. That early fascination eventually grew into a deep passion for engineering.

“In school, I excelled at mathematics and physics which further solidified my decision to study engineering. When it came to decide which discipline in engineering I should pursue, mechanical engineering aligned perfectly with my interests and strengths,” he added.

However, Govindasamy’s academic journey was not without obstacles. Among the biggest challenges he faced was the daily commute to campus.

“I live about 80 kilometres away from DUT, and for my first and second year, I had no funding,” he said. Relying on public transport meant long, exhausting hours on the road, all while managing a demanding course load. The financial strain of both tuition and transportation also placed significant stress on his parents. Despite these obstacles, he remained focused on his long-term goals and never lost sight of the bigger picture.

In this year’s DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation, he proudly graduated Cum Laude with a Dean’s Merit Award, an achievement he holds with great pride.

“Graduating with Cum Laude and receiving the Dean’s Merit Award is an immense honour. It represents not just my academic success, but also the dedication, hard work, and sacrifices I have made over the years. This achievement is incredibly beneficial for my future, as it opens doors to career opportunities and further studies,” he said.

When he shared the news with his family, their reaction was one of overwhelming joy and pride.

“My family has been my biggest support throughout this journey and seeing me succeed made them incredibly proud. There were tears of joy, countless celebratory phone calls, and heartfelt messages,” he shared.

When asked on what inspired him to excel academically to receive such endorsements, Govindasamy credited the financial struggles that he faced in his early years at DUT.

“When I started my studies, I did not have any financial aid or sponsorships. This placed a financial burden on my family. My parents made immense sacrifices to ensure that I pursue my education. However, during my first year I learnt about the DUT undergraduate scholarship, which is awarded to students who achieves an aggregate above 75%. This motivated me to push myself even harder, knowing that excelling academically could ease my family of financial stress” he explained.

Reflecting on DUT’s core values and principles, Govindasamy said that integrity and accountability resonate with him the most.

“Integrity is significant because I have always strived to uphold strong moral values in my academic and personal life. Accountability is another principle I can relate to because throughout my studies, I had to take full responsibility for my actions, learning from my mistakes and continuously improving,” he said.

Now pursuing his Honours degree, Govindasamy has set his sights on registering with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineering Technologist (PR Tech Eng). His long-term goal is to eventually earn the Professional Engineer (PR Eng) designation and work for a reputable engineering firm where he can gain valuable experience and continue growing in the field.

He encouraged students not to wait until the exams to start studying, but be proactive, stay organised, and seek help when needed. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your abilities.

Pictured: Bradley Govindasamy

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