A beginning of an exhilarating new chapter filled with endless possibilities was what showcased the first session of six scheduled 2025 Autumn Graduation ceremonies for the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in the Midlands.
The Management Sciences dominated the session which took place at the Indumiso Campus Hall in Pietermaritzburg on Monday, 12 May 2025.
The Programme Director for the ceremony, Ms Yâchal du Plessis, highlighted that the graduating students will now be stepping forward into a future, marking an exciting new journey that is filled with infinite possibilities.
“As graduates you now carry the DUT flag into the world. A symbol of excellence, resilience and innovation. You are stepping into your profession pursuing further studies or forging your own path, you do so as ambassadors of this great institution with pride and purpose,” she expressed.
Giving a riveting welcome to the academic executives, graduates, support staff, families and friends was the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences at DUT, Professor Fulufhelo Netswera. He celebrated the sterling hard work and success of the graduates, saying that it was an exciting season for change and venturing into the world.
Interim Campus Director, Dr Nonhlanhla Mthiyane Tiyana shared her excitement with the Pietermaritzburg graduates saying that a lot would be expected out of them now that they have graduated.
“This is because there is a very high expectation out of graduates, families, communities, places of work and societies, as there are certain qualities of graduates that are expected and certain attributes that you are expected to have acquired whilst you are here at DUT, and which sets you apart from people who have not been here at DUT. Parents and friends, graduate attributes are important qualities, spheres and knowledge that DUT aims for in our students. Over and above graduates being specialists in their fields there are other attributes that they acquire so that when they go out to into the world they are all rounded citizens,”she said. Her words of encouragement marked the beginning of the graduation process with Dr Lungelo Princess Funeka, a lecturer at DUT, proudly leading the academic ceremony, receiving her Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences specialising in Public Relations and Communication. Dr Funeka, is also a proud alumna of DUT, having started her academic journey in the university in 2007.
Sharing her excitement on earning the Doctor title, she said walking on the graduation stage she felt like she was on top of the world. Topping her excitement was getting a chance to graduate with her students who were very proud of her achievement. Her title of her thesis is on the impact of COVID-19 vaccine communication on staff and students’ choice of vaccination at a South African University.
All in all the session concluded with the profound words by Prof Netswerao commented: “We are cultivating ethical leaders, social innovators, entrepreneurial thinkers, and glocally engaged citizens,” he shared. He urged graduates to keep shining, stay focused and to keep moving forward determinedly.
Pictured: DUT graduates shine at the first ceremony session at Indumiso campus.
Waheeda Peters
