The first day of the Autumn graduation ceremonies for the Durban University of Technology (DUT) was a huge success, this Wednesday, 25 April 2018 in Pietermaritzburg. The DUT graduation sessions took place at the FJ Sithole Hall, Indumiso Campus, Imbali.

Bedazzling fashion and loud ululations from parents and loved ones were also the order of the day during the exciting sessions. The sweltering heat and a power glitch could not dampen the excitement and spirits of the graduates who were all about looking ‘camera ready’ for their proudest moment in their lives.

Dr Martin Mandew, Director of the Midlands Centre of the Durban University of Technology, expressed his joy at the start of the Midlands graduation ceremonies, adding that it was a wonderful moment of celebration. “Many of the parents and families have made great sacrifices to ensure that their children get a decent education. For many of the parents and guardians it is the first time they come to a University,” he said.
For Andile Juqu, who obtained his degree of Bachelor of Technology in Human Resources Management, his achievement was a tribute to his late mom, who had passed on during the time of his studies. “I wore my traditional Xhosa attire in tribute to her, for all that she had done and meant to me. This achievement is not mine alone but also in her memory,” he said.

Tourism and Hospitality Management Master’s graduates, Priscilla Sambo and Acquinath Zaca are both excited to have reached the end of their academic journey which had its ups and downs. However, both have reiterated that they are humbled and excited to have graduated and are hoping to register soon for their PhD’s at DUT.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Thandwa Mthembu, said graduation was an important milestone for a graduate. “It is an important milestone in our journey of self-development and sef acutalualisation. It portends intellectual, social and economic advancement including that of your families and the broader society, too. That is why education is, simultaneously, a private and a public good,” he said.

Tomorrow, Thursday, 26 April 2018, during the Midlands Campus graduation ceremony, DUT will confer an honorary Doctor of Education degree to ANC veteran, Dr Andrew Mlangeni. He was imprisoned following the Rivonia Trial and he was also the first liberation fighter to be sent outside the country for his military training.

To be part of the DUT graduation ceremonies, please log on to our YouTube channel and stream live on: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwWwcbY5rzoYX8Y-xbMgH8Q/live

Pictured: DUT Graduands and Parents Are All Smiles For the First Autumn Graduation Session.

Waheeda Peters