Passion and perseverance are essential when one aspires to acquire a high qualification, said Durban University of Technology graduate Clinton Pillay.

Pillay received his Degree of Bachelor of Technology in Operations Management on Tuesday, 17 April, graduating Cum Laude and receiving the Dean’s Merit Award for Excellence.

“I knew I had distinctions but I wasn’t expecting this. I am ecstatic because I worked very hard to attain these marks. My parents are also overjoyed,” said Pillay who was studying and working for Transnet concurrently.

However, the journey to this point was not smooth sailing, he said. After completing a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Pillay was employed by Transnet in 2007. He had entered into a different field altogether, involved in Operations. Because of his involvement in this department, he no longer wanted to pursue a career in Mechanical Engineering and felt the need to branch off into another field. He then enrolled for an undergraduate course in Operations Management. He was credited for some subjects and soon completed his diploma, after which he enrolled for his BTech.

The workload from both tertiary and his job at Transnet took its toll at times but his passion got him through. He spent nights buried in his books because he “doesn’t like cramming.”

“Because I had my priorities straight from the onset I was able to achieve my goal. I did not want to just complete my degree but I wanted to learn all the principles of the course and engage in it completely,” said Pillay.

He advises undergraduates to enjoy their courses and not look at them as a “final destination”. “Knowledge really is power. They must engage in their studies and come out better people”.

Pillay lives in Chatsworth with his parents and sister. He plays an active role in the community and church and also loves to play soccer from time to time. He plans to qualify for a Masters in Business Administration and become a lecturer in future.

–Naledi Hlefane