Academic excellence was honoured at the Durban University of Technology’s Information Technology (IT) department during their their annual student awards ceremony held on Monday (13 November 2017) at the Ritson Campus.

These awards are part of the various initiatives by the department to encourage and motivate students to excel in their academics. Every year top performing students for all levels are awarded for their outstanding work.

In her welcoming remarks, the Head of Department, Kesarie Singh said it was an honour and privilege to welcome all in one of many student events in their calendar.

“First and foremost to our 28 awardees, those are the important people in the room, so if you are seated here and ready to receive an award I must say it is an amazing achievement,” said Singh.

Highlighting some of the achievements as the department, Singh recognised the unconditional support from parents and guardians, the passion and dedication shown by lecturers, the emotional support of student peers, and the commitment of both the department and the faculty in order to prioritise student-centeredness.

“One of our second year IT student at DUT was selected by the United States embassy to study in the US until May 2018,” said Singh.

Accounting and Informatics Faculty Executive Dean, Professor Oludayo Olugbara congratulated awardees saying they were in an advantage to explore opportunities in the ICT world and make South Africa great.

“While you are taking these awards I want to encourage you to come back to study for your Master’s and PhD’s because the future is in your hands, so we welcome you to come and register,” said Prof Olugbara.

Software developer manager at Albaraka bank and DUT alumni, Hamzah Asmall, said he was happy for the winners and congratulated them for their hard work saying it was needed to develop the country’s economy.

“Whatever you are doing in your way forward and whichever company you work for, always put your customer at the back of your mind and keep learning,” he advised.

Two BTech students, Mohammed Ebrahim and Rene Chunilall both walked away with the Diplomat student of the year trophy.

“Consistency in our lectures and working together are the reasons for our achievements and it was never about competing with each other,” they said.

Geeva Subrayn, from Dimension Data, an ITAB member & one of the IT departments long standing sponsors commented on the strengths of our graduates. He stated that students employed at Dimension Data from the IT department displayed professionalism and a high standard of work ethic. Mr Subrayan looks forward to strengthening the relationship between the DUT IT department and Dimension Data. ​​

Other awards given were for special achievement, best developed project and best BTech project, to  name but a few.

Pictured: Professor Oludayo Olugbara, Information Technology  HOD Kesarie Singh, IT lecturers and award recipients during the award ceremony.

Mbuso Kunene.