Tears of joy and jubilation from graduates and parents as well as words of wisdom from guest speakers paved the way for the future of students who graduated during the University’s April Graduation Ceremonies which ended yesterday afternoon.
The six-day graduation ceremonies – which began on Wednesday last week (09 April 2014) saw a total of 5493 students graduate. The Faculty of Arts and Design and the Health Sciences Faculty held the last graduation ceremonies on the day (yesterday 16 April 2013).
Honorary doctorates were conferred to three deserving individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their fields. These are feminist writer, literary figure and activist; Lauretta Gloria Ngcobo, distinguished playwright; Ronnie Govender and renowned environmental justice activist; Bobby Peek.
A total of 3510 students received their National Diplomas, 1677 students received their Batchelor of Technology degrees, 41 students their Master of Technology degrees, 10 students their Doctor of Technology degrees, 149 students their Batchelor of Education Degrees, 52 students their Batchelor of Technology degrees (four year) and 54 students their National Certificates. A total of 3078 females graduated, with a total of 5493 males graduating. In terms of race, 4263 African, 915 Indian, 197 Whites, 109 Colours and 10 students classified as “other races” graduated. A total of 43 students with disabilities graduated. Of those, 23 were female while and 20 were male.
The mood of the graduation ceremony was kept intact throughout the entire session where nothing but positivity and hope were seen in the faces of the graduates, their parents as well as staff of DUT. “The first step to being ‘Mr Independent’ has been signed and sealed. My next step is to get a job now and I know that obtaining this diploma will open many doors for me. It is my key to succeed. I am so excited that I am now a qualified photographer. I have hope that the future is brighter than the current day, positivity that the first step to independence and success has been paved,” said Mthoko Maphumulo, who obtained a National Diploma (ND) in Photography.
Some graduates were heard pledging to return to the University to further their studies. “I am definitely coming back next year to do my Master of Technology degree. I am so motivated to study further. A Doctorate is waiting for me,” said Luyanda Mhlongo, a Bachelor of Technology in Journalism graduate.
– Noxolo Memela
Pictured: One of the Health Sciences Faculty graduates, happy that he is finally graduating.
