The Department of Mathematics in the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) celebrated academic excellence during the Higher Certificate in Applied Sciences (HCIAS) 2025 Awards Ceremony, held on 29 May 2026 at the Steve Biko Campus.
The ceremony recognised students who demonstrated exceptional commitment, perseverance, and academic achievement throughout the year. Addressing students, staff, families, and invited guests, Head of Department, Professor Darren Lortan, commended the award recipients for their dedication and encouraged them to continue pursuing excellence as they progress in their academic and professional journeys.
A total of 16 students achieved Cum Laude status by obtaining an overall average of 75% and above, reflecting the high academic standards maintained within the programme.
Leading the cohort was Mr Evan Cole Goveia, who emerged as the overall top achiever with an impressive average of 86% and nine distinctions. His exceptional performance also earned him top marks in six individual modules, including a perfect score of 100% in Mathematics B.
The second-best achiever was Mr Thalente Gumede, who achieved an average of 82% and earned nine distinctions.
Third place was shared by Mr Siyabonga Shange and Ms Sibongile Tshabalala, both achieving an average of 79%. Fourth place went to Mr Lwandile Jali, while Ms Anele Mtshali, Ms Sanelisiwe Mthimunye, and Mr Mpilonhle Mlotshwa jointly secured fifth position.
Reflecting on his achievement, Goveia shared that his academic journey was not initially part of his original plan. As the middle child in his family, he enrolled in the Higher Certificate in Applied Sciences after missing the application deadline for Mechanical Engineering, a field he had always dreamed of pursuing.
“Finding myself in this programme turned out to be one of the best things that could have happened to me. It gave me a strong foundation and prepared me for the next step in my academic journey,” he said.
Now pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering qualification, Goveia credits discipline, consistency, music, and family support for his success. A lifelong enthusiast of cars and motorcycles, he traces his passion for engineering to films such as The Fast and the Furious, Gone in 60 Seconds, The Transporter, Bullitt, and The Italian Job, which inspired his fascination with the automotive industry from a young age.
Among the programme’s most celebrated students was Ms Anele Mtshali, who received four awards during the ceremony. Ranked among the five best achievers overall, she attained an average of 77% and earned seven distinctions. Her academic excellence was recognised through top performances in Communication for Science, Physics A, and Chemistry A, where she achieved an outstanding mark of 88%.
“It feels truly amazing, especially since I was not expecting to receive so many awards. I feel overjoyed seeing that all my hard work has finally paid off. All those sleepless nights did not go in vain. I am truly honoured and blessed to reap the fruits of my hard work,” said Mtshali.
She explained that her motivation throughout the programme was driven by a clear goal of gaining admission into her dream qualification.
“I had one goal in mind, and that was to do well so that I could be accepted into the course of my dreams. The Higher Certificate enabled me to achieve that. I kept pushing myself every day, sometimes even beyond my limits, so that I could reach the goal I had set for myself. It was not always a smooth journey, but I am happy that I made it in the end.”
Today, Mtshali is pursuing a Diploma in Analytical Chemistry and remains committed to achieving academic excellence in her chosen field.
The awards ceremony also recognised students who achieved the highest marks in individual modules. Outstanding performers included Ms Enama Ntuli, Ms Piyal Deonarain, Ms Mekala Naidoo, Ms Jazzlyn Antony, Ms Sibongile Tshabalala, Mr Thalente Gumede, and Mr Evan Cole Goveia, whose exceptional results saw him top six modules.
Professor Lortan also expressed his appreciation to the special guests who attended the ceremony and acknowledged the valuable contribution of Mr Darian Smith from Community Fathers.
Based in Wentworth, Community Fathers is a mentorship initiative that supports and guides young people facing social and economic challenges. Through mentorship, positive role modelling, and community engagement, the organisation helps young people build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose.
Professor Lortan highlighted the importance of partnerships between educational institutions and community organisations in supporting student success.
“The achievements we celebrate today are not only a reflection of academic excellence, but also of the collective support that helps students overcome challenges and realise their potential,” he said.
The relationship between Community Fathers and the Higher Certificate in Applied Sciences programme reflects a shared commitment to creating opportunities for students who may not have followed a conventional pathway into higher education. Together, they continue to open doors to careers in science, engineering, technology, and other professional fields.
The ceremony concluded with words of encouragement from lecturers, a vote of thanks from Professor Lortan, and a celebration of the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2025.
The Faculty of Applied Sciences congratulates all award recipients and wishes them continued success as they advance in their academic and professional journeys. Their achievements serve as a powerful reminder that determination, hard work, and the right support can turn opportunity into success.
Pictured:Awards ceremony group photo with students, Head of Department Prof Darren Lortan and lecturers.
Photography: Nompumelelo Mpungose
Silindile Buthelezi
