The Department of Operations and Quality Management in the Faculty of Management Sciences at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently celebrated its top achievers during its awards ceremony at the Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel.
The ceremony was headlined by a display of glitz and glamour, a recognition of academic excellence, and special tributes to retiring long-serving staff members. Programme Director, Nkululeko Mbatha an Administrative Assistant at the DUT Communications unit applauded the department’s efforts in recognising the excellent work done by its students and staff.
Professor Shalini Singh, an Associate Professor, in the department delivered the welcome message and remarks on behalf of the Deputy Dean, Professor Melanie Lourens. She congratulated the students on their achievements and encouraged them to continue working towards achieving their dreams.
“DUT stands firm on three pillars, Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, and Community Engagement. We celebrate your achievements, especially in teaching and learning. This awards function culminates in hours of hard work, commitment, dedication support from loved ones, and consistency to achieve your academic dreams,” said Prof Singh.
She added that the faculty and DUT are extremely proud of each of the award recipients. She also acknowledged the people behind the scenes who made the celebration possible such as the lecturers, the Head of the Department, Faculty Office staff, and other departments.
Guest Speaker, Deputy Director in the KwaZulu–Natal Department of Transport, Andile Hadebe, gave an inspiring presentation on his journey from being a DUT operations management student to eventually occupying an executive position in the public sector. Hadebe emphasized the importance of having confidence and the need to constantly look for opportunities to grow and be exposed to different professional environments.
“What I want you to take is that as much as you may feel overwhelmed by some situations or belittled by the situations that you get into, just know that what gets you the opportunities is showing confidence and professionally presenting yourself,” he said.
The awards were given to the top three students in both programmes of Operations and Quality Management at all academic levels. Among the outstanding achievers was Vishantham Aron, who earned her Master of Philosophy in Quality with Cum Laude, supervised by Dr. Raveen Rathilaal from the Department of Operations and Quality Management. Another top Achiever for the Advanced Diploma in Operations Management, Snenhlanhla Dlamini from the South African Navy, expressed her gratitude to DUT for the acknowledgement and her company for giving her the opportunity to pursue her studies. In addition to academic excellence, the event also celebrated entrepreneurial achievements. Ayanda Hlatshwayo received the Entrepreneurship Award for successfully having her business (Yesterday GEM) Incubated by innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
In his closing remarks, Professor Manduth Ramchander, Head of the Department, expressed gratitude to all departmental staff, faculty members, and external supporters who continue to contribute to the department’s success.
“Your dedication, commitment, mentorship, and expertise has come to bear on nurturing these bright minds to enable them to reach this milestone. Today’s success is yours as much as it is theirs,” he said.
He concluded with special tributes to the department secretary, Mrs Koggilambal Chellan who recently retired, and senior lecturer, Dr Trevor Naidoo who will be retiring soon. He thanked them for their selfless contribution to the department and wished them well for the future.
Giving a vote of thanks, Robin Ramlagan, a lecturer in the Department of Operations and Quality Management also extended his gratitude to Lindiwe Zwane, the Faculty Officer, for her presence and everyone who made the event a success, particularly the organising team led by Miss Lindokuhle Ntuli, Rajendran Moodaliyar, Mrs Nomsa Ximba, Dr Xhanti Dyonase, and Noloyiso Nogaya.
Pictured: Students and staff top achievers.
Pictures by Khulasande Tshayile
Thulasizwe Nkomo
