The Department of Textile Science and Apparel Technology at the Durban University of Technology, within the Faculty of Applied Sciences, hosted a heartfelt retirement celebration in honour of Dr Akbar Fassihi and Mr Alan Judd, each of whom dedicated over three decades of service to the institution.
The occasion served not only as a celebration of their careers but also as a moment of reflection on their remarkable journeys and lasting contributions. Dr Fassihi began his tenure in January 1991, and Mr Judd joined the department just ten months later. Over the years, the two shared a path, playing a pivotal role in developing and shaping the department into what it is today. Both served as Senior Lecturers and progressed to leadership roles as Heads of Department, contributing significantly to the development of the academic programme and growth of the department.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome by Ms Nokwanda Biyase, Lecturer in Clothing Management, who expressed her appreciation and honour in hosting attendees for this significant occasion.
Executive Dean, Prof Suren Singh, delivered a heartfelt keynote address, acknowledging their remarkable careers, dedication, and incredible contributions. He expressed deep gratitude for their work in Textile Science and Apparel Technology, highlighting their commitment to industry-driven teaching, practical skills development, and staying at the forefront of research and innovation.
He praised Dr Fassihi’s passion for enhancing the department, particularly his dedication to advancing equipment, research, and mentoring staff through challenging periods. Mr Judd was commended for his sincerity, leadership, and willingness to step in during difficult times, consistently supporting the department with loyalty and humility.
Prof Singh emphasised that both individuals had played a vital role in shaping the programme, strengthening industry connections, and nurturing future academics. He described them as trusted figures and ambassadors of the faculty, whose professionalism, commitment, and institutional knowledge would leave a legacy.
“I wish you a fulfilling retirement. Please enjoy your life and spend quality time with your families, and I thank you on behalf of the faculty and the university for your outstanding service and lasting impact,” said Prof Singh.
Acting Head of Department, Ms Shantha Harilal, delivered a deeply personal tribute, reflecting on the lasting impact Dr Fassihi and Mr Judd had on both the department and staff. Drawing from her 21 years under their mentorship, she emphasised how they shaped not only her professional journey but also her personal growth.
“They demonstrated a calm and respectful leadership style, guiding and developing staff not through anger or authority, but through patience, understanding, and genuine care. Their open-door approach and constant willingness to support colleagues fostered a strong sense of unity, making the department feel like a family,” Harilal explained.
She highlighted that their patient, respectful, and supportive approach had fostered a collaborative and inclusive departmental culture. Their guidance and commitment to staff development left a lasting influence on both professional and personal growth within the department.
Harilal also shared a touching personal experience of the support she received during a serious health challenge, illustrating their compassion beyond academic responsibilities. She concluded by expressing sincere gratitude for their mentorship, acknowledging that their legacy lived on through the people they had nurtured and that they would be deeply missed even as they transitioned into retirement.
Dr Fassihi and Mr Judd shared their farewell remarks. Mr Judd expressed heartfelt gratitude to colleagues, emphasising that no words could fully capture the appreciation he held for the support and contributions of those he had worked with over the years. He acknowledged that the department’s recent successes were not his alone but the result of a collective effort, stating that it had been an extraordinary year made possible by a dedicated and capable team.
He recognised the strength of the department’s industry connections and its ongoing impact on students’ lives, expressing pride in the role it continued to play in shaping future professionals. He acknowledged the challenges of the work environment but emphasised the importance of support systems, thanking colleagues and leadership structures for fostering a sense of belonging and resilience.
He offered a sincere and personal note of appreciation to colleagues in the faculty, who had provided constant guidance and insight, describing them as a steady source of support throughout his journey.
Dr Fassihi echoed similar sentiments of gratitude, describing the department as a second family that had sustained him throughout his 36-year career. He reflected on the unwavering support and kindness of colleagues, noting that it was this sense of belonging that kept him connected even beyond retirement.
He shared the emotional weight of personal challenges affecting his family abroad, making the occasion especially meaningful. He acknowledged that despite difficult times, the warmth and care shown by colleagues reminded him that he was not alone.
Dr Fassihi also extended appreciation to faculty leadership and staff, recognising their support in navigating the demands of the university environment. He concluded by thanking everyone for their presence and for the lasting relationships built over the years.
In closing, Ms Biyase expressed sincere gratitude to the retirees for their lasting impact, noting that their contributions extended beyond teaching into shaping careers and building a strong foundation for the department’s future. She highlighted that their influence was recognised not only within the university but also across the broader sector.
She thanked attendees for joining the celebration and encouraged continued engagement with the retirees, expressing hope that they would remain accessible for guidance.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Pictured: Retirees Dr Akbar Fassihi and Mr Alan Judd at their farewell celebration.
Sinamile Sithole
