Professor Nirmala Dorasamy, Full Professor and National Research Foundation (NRF) rated C2 researcher in the Department of Public Management and Economics, Faculty of Management Sciences at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) was recently recognised for her outstanding contribution to academia with two prestigious awards: the Platinum Award for Established Researcher and the Gold Award for Mentorship and Leadership at the ENVISION2030 Institutional Awards.
These awards reflect her years of unwavering commitment and passion for impactful research scholarship that advances knowledge, growth, and development. They serve as a powerful reminder that the long hours, sacrifices and perseverance throughout her academic journey have been meaningful not only to her, but to the many students, colleagues, and collaborators she has engaged with over the years.
The Mentorship and Leadership Award resonates on a particularly profound level, symbolising a fulfilling and transformative journey shared with students, graduates, emerging researchers, international scholars, and practitioners. Watching others grow in confidence and purpose remains one of the most rewarding aspects of her career and reinforces her belief in the power of investing in people.
Her success underscores her commitment to strengthening research capacity and expanding collaborative engagements to support the next generation of scholars.
Reflecting on her journey, Prof Dorasamy acknowledged that challenges are inevitable in academia but should be embraced as opportunities to demonstrate resilience. Balancing the demanding expectations of research productivity, postgraduate supervision, teaching, and community engagement required exceptional self-discipline.
Mentoring emerging scholars with limited exposure to research processes demanded patience, structured guidance, and a supportive environment an experience that deepened her understanding of the transformative impact of mentorship.
Her message to those aspiring to similar milestones is clear. “Remain anchored in purpose and align your work with your personal values and the goals of ENVISION2030. Embrace failure as a springboard for growth, remain committed and consistent. Recognise that excellence is built through collaboration rather than individual effort alone,’’ she said.
As DUT continues to advance its ENVISION2030 goals, Prof Dorasamy’s journey stands as a powerful testament to excellence, leadership, and the enduring impact of investing in people.
Pictured: Prof Nirmala Dorasamy with Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at the ENVISION2030 Institutional Awards
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Vukani Langa
