Luke Jaden Krishnan, a final-year year Radiation Therapy student at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is the recipient of the esteemed Abe Bailey Travel Bursary Award.
He has become the 14th winner in 15 years to win the prestigious Abe Bailey Travel Bursary, awarded to outstanding students who have shown exceptional leadership qualities and strong service ethics.
From not having produced a winner of this award, which has been running for 90 years until 15 years ago, DUT has become one of the most successful universities in producing Abe Bailey winners, a remarkable achievement to the excellence that emanates from the university.
Speaking on his esteemed win, Krishnan says he feels deeply honoured and humbled. “Winning this bursary is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the faith, effort, and support that shaped my journey. It’s encouraging to know that academic diligence, community outreach and leadership rooted in service is recognised,” he said jubilantly.
Krishnan emphasised that throughout his studies he remained committed to both academic excellence and meaningful service-consistently achieving strong results in key modules while also serving as class representative.
He expressed that he has always been passionate about making a difference through healthcare, community outreach, and mentorship. “My journey has been shaped by resilience, faith, and a deep desire to contribute positively to the lives of others,” he said. He thanked God, DUT’s leadership, his lecturers, his family, and everyone who believed in him. “This journey has affirmed that with vision, determination, and perseverance, students from all backgrounds can rise above their circumstances and achieve extraordinary things,” he shared.
Krishnan shared on how he had found out about the Abe Bailey Bursary on DUT’s Pinboard this year. After researching its legacy, he was drawn to the opportunity for intellectual exchange and cultural diplomacy. He then applied, went through a rigorous selection process, and was thrilled to be nominated and later selected nationally.
In terms to what the competition entailed, Krishnan indicated that it involved a written submission outlining his motivations, academic achievements, leadership experience, and community involvement. He expressed that the shortlisted candidates were then invited to an intensive panel interview at DUT, which tested their depth of thought, global awareness, and personal integrity. “DUT finalists progressed to a national-level group interview with the Abe Bailey trustees, previous bursars, and candidates from universities across South Africa, an engaging and fast-paced discussion that felt like a challenging, yet enjoyable, round of intellectual hot potato,” he chuckled.
Expressing his jubilation upon Krishan’s win was the Director of International Education and Partnerships Unit at DUT, Dr Lavern Samuels.
He explained that the search for the Abe Bailey Bursary recipient entailed the student having strong leadership that can be demonstrated through their actions, strong community and a service track record, an excellent academic record, and falling under the age of 25 years. He further indicated that this was an intensive process and each stage they were working with the students to improve on their submissions, finally submitting the top three candidate names to Abe Bailey.
Speaking of Krishnan’s win, Dr Samuels highlighted that the winner was victorious because of his strong academic record of achieving distinctions in his programme.
He relayed that he espoused strong leadership qualities within the university and in external engagements. “He was very involved in community projects making a difference that started within DUT within his department within the university and it was a combination that made him an excellent candidate. He also interviewed very well showing great confidence in being able to be an ambassador for DUT, he said.
Dr Samuels shared Krishnan now becomes an ambassador for South Africa who will be going to the United Kingdom for three weeks in December to experience the British culture, to participate in an interactive programme, and to examine its significance in the context of South African history.
“He will gain access to things that the average tourist would never get to see like going into Westminister, the British Parliament and getting to meet ministers and members of Parliament. It’s a truly life-changing experience. The alumni of Abe Bailey is a very accomplished group and they become part of this network for life,” explained Dr Samuels.
Delving further into his win, Krishnan indicated that he has high expectations in place as he hopes that by achieving this prestigious bursary, he grows as a more globally conscious, critically minded leader, someone who can bridge diverse worldviews and contribute meaningfully to both health care and broader social transformation in South Africa.
Krishnan says it makes him incredibly proud to be part of an institution that consistently cultivates excellence. “DUT producing 14 Abe Bailey winners in 15 years, this speaks volumes about the calibre of DUT students and staff, and I’m honoured to carry that legacy forward,” he said proudly.
His words of advice to future candidates who wish to enter such a competition is to own your story and stay authentic-but also take the time to prepare. “Read widely, reflect deeply, and be open to perspectives beyond your field. Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about empathy, self-awareness, consistency, and the willingness to serve with vision and integrity,” he said.
Going forward, Krishnan aims to refine his skills as a radiotherapist while actively working to improve cancer care, awareness, and accessibility, particularly in underserved communities. “I also hope to pursue my postgraduate studies and eventually contribute to shaping the next generation of radiotherapy professionals. Above all, I want to serve my community with integrity and lead by example in building a better, more equitable South Africa,” he said.
Pictured: Abe Bailey Travel Bursary Award winner, Luke Krishnan.
Waheeda Peters
