Despite struggling in his first – year while studying for his National Diploma in Architectural Technology at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Robert Warrior graduated Cum Laude for his BTech: Architectural Technology at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, Steve Biko Campus in Durban earlier this morning (Tuesday, 7 May 2019).

“I failed one module and scraped through in many of my other modules. This was particularly hard for me to handle as I had never failed at anything of this magnitude and importance in my life before. I repeated the module in 2015 before progressing to the second year. In 2016 things turned for the better, my attitude towards learning changed, I built healthy relationships with my facilitators and most importantly, I developed a keen interest in Architecture. I started receiving distinctions for projects,” he said.

“In 2017 I was awarded an academic rebate; after being recognised for the academic award for achieving an ‘A’ aggregate for the duration of my second year of studies. In 2017 during my final year of the National Diploma, I attended a workshop in Germany, organised by the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, to represent DUT, along with my Facilitators and Professors,” he added.

Warrior said that Architecture was an obvious choice for him. “Architecture was an attractive career choice for me, from the time I had started high school, where I realised how fascinated I was by the built environment. I have always wanted to build my own home, utilising skills acquired from studies and practise, it must have something to do with the notion of putting a roof over my head and feeling a sense of ownership,” he said.

For his success, he acknowledged the role of his facilitator and a fellow student. “I want to mention two people, Mr Louis du Plessis – (Facilitator and Head of Department) and Calvin Ragg (classmate). Mr du Plessis is a man who supports his students fully and is always willing to help keen learners. He has always supported me in my questioning the validity of various philosophies and principles in Architecture and in general everyday life,” he said.

“It has been a relatively long and challenging journey thus far with both highs and lows. I plan on enrolling into the Masters degree programme when I feel I am prepared for the challenges it will come with,” he added.

Pictured: Robert Warrior.

Nduduzo Ndlovu