Four of the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) graduates and student are amongst GradStar’s Top 100 tertiary students in South Africa. They are Yuveshni Juggadesan, Nevesan Naidoo, Ashley Van Der Merwe and Hlengiwe Ngubane.
According to the media release by BlackBark Productions, the GradStar Awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional talent emerging from universities and tertiary institutions. The programme is committed to identifying the future leaders, innovators and change makers who will contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s future.
The achievements of the DUT students who have reached the Top 100, showcase the immense potential of the next generation of South African talent to make a lasting impact in their communities, industries and the broader economy.
Yuveshni Juggadesan was excited and proud when she found out that she had been selected as one of the Top 100 for GradStar. The 26 year-old systems consultant, who currently resides in Cape Town, studied ICT Applications Development at DUT and graduated in 2022.
“It was a really special moment because it felt like recognition of the hard work and growth I have experienced throughout my academic and professional journey. It also reminded me that putting yourself out there and taking opportunities can lead to something meaningful,” she shared excitedly.
Although she graduated from DUT in 2022, she still feels very connected to the institution and the role it played in her development.
“Being part of GradStar gives me an opportunity to remain connected to DUT while representing the institution and encouraging current students to make the most of the opportunities available to them. I believe the experience will also help me develop my communication, networking, leadership and interpersonal skills, which are all important for my future career,” she explained.
Her main objective is to develop a career that allows her to combine technology, problem-solving and working with people.
“In the long term, I would like to bridge the gap between technology and people, understanding technical solutions while also making sure that customers and stakeholders understand them and receive real value from them. I also hope to further my studies in Project Management, as I believe this will complement my ICT background and help me progress into more senior roles in the future,” she said.
For Nevesan Naidoo, hearing that he had been selected as one of the GradStar Top 100 was an incredibly proud and exciting moment.
“Being one of only four candidates from DUT made the achievement even more meaningful. This is also my third GradStar Top 100 recognition, following my selections in 2022 and 2024. Each experience has represented a different stage of my academic and professional development. Being selected again in 2026 reminded me of how far I have come and motivated me to continue growing, learning and creating opportunities for others,” he said.
The DUT graduate who completed his Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEng Tech) in Electronic Engineering; currently works at Vodacom as a Discover Graduate Trainee. His work is focused within the telecommunications environment which has allowed him to gain experience in areas involving electromagnetic fields, radio networks and telecommunications infrastructure.
“Competitions such as GradStar help students recognise that their potential extends beyond their academic qualification. They provide exposure to employers, industry leaders and other ambitious young people from across the country. They also encourage students to reflect on their values, strengths, achievements and long-term career goals,” he said.
“Participating in these competitions,” Nevesan said, “can help students build confidence, strengthen their communication skills and become more comfortable in professional environments.
“Even if a student is not selected as a finalist, the application and interview process can still provide a valuable learning experience. Students should view these opportunities as an investment in their personal and professional development, rather than focusing solely on the final outcome.”
“Being one of the Top 100 GradStar students is an exciting opportunity, especially as I approach the end of my journey at DUT. I will be able to represent my university beyond the classroom, share my experiences and encourage other students to explore opportunities that could help them grow,” expressed Ashley Van Der Merwe.
She found out about GradStar through an email sent by DUT on Outlook. “At the time, I did not really know what GradStar was, but I decided to apply. Looking back, I am grateful that DUT shared the opportunity with us because it led me to an experience I might otherwise have missed,” she said.
The 21-year-old lass is currently completing her Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology in Internet of Things at DUT. Throughout her studies, she has been exposed to different areas of technology, including programming, databases, data analysis and IoT.
“My time at DUT has also shaped me as a person. My journey has taught me the importance of consistency, perseverance and being willing to learn. I am proud of the progress I have made and how much I have grown since starting at DUT, and I am grateful to DUT for the opportunities and experiences it has given me,” she said.
For Hlengiwe Ngubane, being selected among the Top 100 is a meaningful recognition of the work she has put into her academic journey, leadership, entrepreneurship and personal development.
“It was also encouraging to see that the different aspects of my journey are being recognised beyond the university environment. More than anything, it reminded me that consistency and commitment can create opportunities, even when the journey is challenging,” she said.
Hlengiwe sees the GradStar platform as an extension of her journey at DUT rather than something separate from it. DUT has given her opportunities to grow academically, professionally and as an entrepreneur.
“Being part of the Top 100 allows me to represent those values while continuing my studies and engaging with other students and young professionals. I hope to use the platform to encourage other DUT students to recognise their own potential and actively pursue opportunities beyond the research spaces and lecture rooms,” she relayed.
Her journey at DUT has been one of continuous growth, from being a student to becoming an academic, researcher and entrepreneur. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Architecture at DUT. Beyond her studies, she has also been involved in teaching, entrepreneurship, innovation and student development. Through the DUT Innobiz Entrepreneurship Centre, she has been able to develop her entrepreneurial interests and work on solutions within the construction and built-environment sector.
“Competitions such as GradStar, Hlengiwe emphasised, are important because they provide students with an opportunity to have their achievements recognised beyond the traditional academic environment. They expose students to professional networks, mentorship, potential employers and opportunities that they may not otherwise encounter. They also challenge students to articulate their value, recognise their strengths and think more intentionally about their career direction. I believe recognition is particularly important because talented students often underestimate themselves. Sometimes, an external platform is needed to remind them that their work, achievements and journey have value,” she said.
Her objective is not simply to build a successful career, but to build a career that creates knowledge, develops people and produces solutions with lasting social and economic impact.
The GradStar Awards ceremony will take place on 02 December 2026, and through these interactions, employers can scout top talent and secure their next key hires and ultimately select ten outstanding students who demonstrate the qualities, potential and employability skills required to stand out in the workplace.
Pictured: DUT’s four GradStar’s Top 100 students in South Africa.
Waheeda Peters
