Friday, 24 April 2015, marked the end of the Durban University of Technology’s 2015 April Graduation Ceremonies.
In April, DUT had 18 graduation ceremonies in total. All were held at the University’s Midlands and Durban centres, kicking off on 15 April 2015 at the Indumiso Campus, and ending on 24 April 2015 at the Steve Biko Campus.
A total of 5405 students graduated. A total of 18 Doctor of Technology (DTech) degrees, 63 Master of Technology (MTech) degrees, 2289 Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degrees, 3322 National Diplomas (NDip) and 54 Certificates were issued. Two Honorary Doctorates were conferred; one to music maestro and Ladysmith Black Mambazo Founder, Joseph Shabalala by the Faculty of Arts and Design and to business mogul, Dr Richard Maponya from the Faculty of Management Sciences.
Graduation is not just for the graduates but for the University, parents and public at large. “I would recommend DUT to other parents. Despite some challenges that the university encounters, I would gladly applaud it in its education excellence. I regard it as one of the best institutions of higher learning in the country,” said Sbusiso Thabethe, who had accompanied his daughter who was graduating for her National Diploma in Biochemistry.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University, Professor Ahmed Bawa gave thanks to the parents for all their hard work and sacrifices made for their children. Prof Bawa also encouraged graduates to study further. “This is by no means a permanent goodbye. You must return to pursue your BTechs, Master’s degrees Dtechs. South Africa needs more highly trained people,” he said.
In his speech, Dr Maponya motivated students to always focus on their jobs. “Lions must not concern themselves with the opinions of sheep. Prosper and get rid of the attitude of entitlement,” he said.
The messages did not fall on deaf ears. “This has been a bittersweet journey. I am super proud of myself this is the beginning of more degrees and certificates,” said Nondumiso Mbanjwa who obtained a National Diploma in Consumer Science.
– Noxolo Memela
Pictured: Faculty of Applied Sciences Doctor of Technology (DTech) graduates. From left are: Dr Vimla Paul (DTech in Chemistry), Dr Krishan Ramluckan (DTech in Chemistry), Dr Faez Iqbal Khan (DTech in Chemistry), Dr Kaminee Maduray (DTech in Biotechnology), Dr A Bathinapatla (DTech in Chemistry), Dr Abhishek Guldhe (DTech in Biotechnology) and Dr Abimbola Enitan (DTech in Biotechnology).
