Taking joyful gida steps, considered a spiritual act of joy, piercing ululation, and huge smiles for the cameras became the order of the first day of the 2026 Spring Graduation ceremony which took place on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban.
The Faculty of Accounting and Informatics proudly showcased its 280 graduates who were conferred their doctorates, master’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas and undergraduate degrees during the DUT Spring graduation session.
Proud parents holding huge bouquets of sunflowers, graduates snapping selfies in their beautiful Spring attires finally saw their ‘blooming graduation’ day turn into reality. Graduates, dressed in traditional caps and gowns, symbolised years of hard work and dedication.
Sharing his welcome message to the graduates, academics, parents, and stakeholders was Senior Director of Corporate Affairs: Mr Alan Khan. He shared on how proud DUT is of their students and staff who consistently live the values and principles as enshrined in the ENVISION2030 strategy.
He further expressed that the graduates are ready to engage the world as adaptive graduates who have the acumen to respond or react to the changes of the world with sheer purpose and confidence.
Graduates crossed the podium with joyful cheers, applause, and ululation coming from proud family members and friends in the audience. The turning point for the ecstatic graduates was the exhilarating moment when they were asked to shift their tassels from one side to the other to mark their formal transition into alumni of the Durban University of Technology (DUT).
Professor Oludayo Olugbara, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics at DUT culminated the event with his vote of thanks, expressing how each qualification awarded reflects sustained effort, personal sacrifice and the support of a wider academic community.
“As you move into employment, entrepreneurship, public service, or further study, I encourage you to use the skills and knowledge you have gained with integrity. Continue to learn, unlearn, and innovate to remain adaptable,” he expressed.
Prof Olugbara indicated that wherever the journey takes one, they must serve it with distinction and remain proud ambassadors of the University.
He acknowledged the graduation organising committee and all support units in the university whose careful planning and professionalism have made the ceremony possible. Both academic and support staff were applauded for their commitment and hard work in ensuring the success of the Spring Graduation ceremony.
“Congratulations to the Spring Class of 2026,” he concluded.
Women account for almost 60% of the graduating cohort, continuing to demonstrate their strong presence and contribution to academic achievement at DUT. The 2026 Spring Graduation ceremony continues until Thursday, 17 September 2026, at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban, marking the academic commitment, perseverance and hard work of the dedicated graduates.
Pictured: DUT Spring graduation gets underway at the Olive Convention Centre.
Photography: S’bonelo Dlamini
Waheeda Peters
