A young lass’s  hard work and late-night efforts have paid off with her obtaining the Dean’s Merit Award in the Faculty of Applied Sciences. She reaps the benefits of her dedication and perseveranceduring her time at DUT. This achievement is a stepping stone to even greater success, and she is also excited to see where her skills and knowledge will take her.

A 21-year-old from Belleville received the Dean’s Merit with Cum Laude at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony, which took place on Monday, 19 May 2025, at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC) in Durban.

Her journey at DUT began with her enrolment in the Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Textile Science. Reflecting on her experience, she shared that it was not always easy, but she learned a great deal and grew both personally and professionally. Along the way, she met supportive people, worked diligently, and numerous opportunities to gain insights into the textile industry.

When sharing the DUT living values that resonate with her, she mentioned respect, honesty, and transparency. She added that while she resonates with all the DUT living values and principles, excellence is a driving force for her. She strives to do her best in everything, and values honesty and respect, which were core to her upbringing.

“Graduating with Cum Laude is a dream come true, reflecting the hard work, resilience, and dedication I invested in my studies. This achievement is a proud moment not only for me but also for my family and mentors who supported me throughout my journey,” she said.

According to her, when she started at DUT, she had never heard of textiles before. However, as she learned more, she became increasingly interested, and over time, she developed a passion for textiles. Now, she is proud to be in the field and aims to continue learning and growing, by deepening her knowledge in textile science and gaining experience in research and development, with the goal of contributing to innovative projects and becoming an expert.

“When my family heard the news that I would be graduating with Cum Laude and the Dean’s Merit awards, they were happy and proud. They knew how hard I had worked, and it was fulfilling for them to see my efforts pay off,” she expressed.

Other than that, she advised that first-year students pursuing a similar career path should work hard, stay focused, and never give up. She also emphasised the importance of asking questions, seeking help when needed, and embracing every opportunity to learn and grow.

Pictured: Buyisiwe Kubheka

Phiwayinkosi Sibiya