Jubilation, ululation, singing, dancing – trendy and stylish outfits were the order of the day for the jovial Durban University of Technology (DUT) graduands on day one of DUT Midlands Autumn Graduation on Monday, 29 April 2019 at Indumiso Campus in Pietermaritzburg.

Day one saw over 500 graduands from the Faculty of Management Sciences being conferred with their Diplomas and Degrees to great excitement from their parents, friends, lectures and fellow graduands.

Interim Centre Director: Midlands Campus, Dr Reginald Thabede congratulated all graduands and urged them to make tangible contribution in the development of their communities. “I would like to urge the class of 2018 to use your newly acquired knowledge to rescue all the challenges facing our country today. Whatever choices you make will determine the shape of your future, and I want to caution you not to forget where you came from,” he said.

“Some of you may be first generation graduates in your families, this also must be celebrated. In this era of materialism do not get tempted to pursue material gains, which may sometimes lead you to some ethical dilemmas. Always rise above all the challenges. I urge you to use your newly acquired knowledge responsibly. Graduation is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a journey to a life-long learning,” he added.

BTech: Public Management graduate, Nokulunga Magwaza could not contain her excitement upon receiving her Degree. “I have many emotions of excitement at the moment, but most importantly I am proud of my achievement because it came through hard work and dedication,” she said.

She also shared her views on graduation ceremony. “I was happy with the graduation ceremony it was different and exciting because we were allowed to express our sentimental moments on stage,” she said.

She added that obtaining her qualification has given her confidence of securing employment going forward.

DUT Midlands Autumn Graduation will end today, 30 April 2019, which will see graduands from the Faculties of Arts and Design, Accounting and Informatics and Health Sciences obtaining their qualifications, and it is also expected to be a hive of activities.

Meanwhile, the Durban Graduation ceremonies will commence on Monday, 06 May 2019 until Tuesday, 14 May 2019 at Fred Crookes Sports Centre on the Steve Biko Campus in Durban.

Pictured: One of the Graduands celebrating her proud moment on Day One of Midlands Autumn Graduation ceremony at Indumiso Campus in Pietermaritzburg on Monday, 29 April 2019.

Nduduzo Ndlovu