Strive for excellence in the industry of Chemical Engineering and you will become forces to be reckoned with.

This was the word of advice to DUT Chemical Engineering and Pulp and Paper Technology Department students by Simphiwe Mazibuko, the Production Unit Manager at SAPREF.

Mazibuko was invited as the guest speaker at the Department’s second annual awards ceremony held at the DUT Hotel School Conference Centre yesterday, 2 May. It was here where the highest performing third year and BTech students of the class of 2011 were acknowledged.

Students and parents came in their numbers to share in this prestigious occasion and were evidently excited.

The field of Chemical Engineering has evolved along the years, Mazibuko said. And because of this, he said the young professionals should understand the context of this field to grasp the ins and outs of it at present. “You’ve not chosen wrongly; there is a bright future in this field,” Mazibuko assured the students, adding that passion goes a long way. “Be an employee (that) a boss would never let go of,” he said.

Mazibuko commended the Department for having fulfilled its goal to become a school of excellence. He acknowledged the efforts of the students too. “Your efforts are appreciated and they will inspire your peers to aim to attain excellent results as well,” he concluded.

Pictured:L-R: Megashnee Munsamy (top academic achiever – MTech: Chem Eng); Simphiwe Mazibuko (Production Manager – SAPREF); Indhrasen Govender (top academic achiever – BTech: Chem Eng); Savania Gounden (top academic achiever – ND: Chem Eng); Manimagalay Chetty (HOD: Chem Eng). The three students received DUT gifts and R2000 pavilion gift vouchers, courtesy of SAPREF.

–Naledi Hlefane