There was a special energy of dancing, ululations, and even a few tears of joy at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2026 Autumn Graduation 9am session at the Indumiso Campus Hall on Wednesday, 13 May 2026. The exhilarating session saw graduates from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment and the Faculty of Health Sciences being conferred with their academic qualifications, culminating the seven sessions held in the Midlands.
The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment began the session with the awarding of a Doctor of Philosophy to Dr Tilik Tena Wondim, whose research explored the systematic evaluation of a full-scale textile wastewater treatment plant using GPS-x and analytical measurements. Such excellence in research is lauded by DUT, where a decisive step has been taken towards advancing high-impact research with the establishment of 18 new research institutes in 2026, in line with DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy.
Following this, Peace Opeyemi Adedeji graduated cum laude with his Master of Engineering degree.
His research investigated the potential of ceramic waste powder as a pozzolanic material and inert cement filler in concrete. The goal at DUT is for adaptive graduates like Dr Adedeji to encompass the creativity and innovation needed to transform society.
A much-anticipated part of the ceremony for the 34 Bachelor of Health Sciences in Nursing graduates was their joint recitation of the professional oath and participation in a lamp-lighting ceremony, exemplifying the DUT Living Values and Principles.
By pledging the oath, these newly adaptive graduates affirmed their commitment, making a solemn promise to abide by it. They also promised to serve their country and community to the best of their ability and to uphold the ideals of their profession.
The Faculty of Health Sciences Executive Dean, Professor Gugu Mchunu, delivered an inspiring congratulatory message that captured the essence of the occasion. She explained that taking the professional oath was not merely a formality, but a sacred pledge to serve with compassion, integrity, and purpose.
“As you close this chapter and embark onto the next one, remember that your education is not merely a badge of honour, but a toolkit for transforming the South African healthcare environment,” she emphasised.
She explained that the knowledge, skills, and values they acquired at DUT will enable them to tackle the complex challenges faced by healthcare systems in South Africa and globally.
“When you go out into the world, continue living the DUT values, be the change that we have been waiting for, be a breath of fresh air, and fly the DUT flag high,” she concluded.
The DUT 2026 Autumn Graduation ceremonies will continue from Monday, 18 May to Wednesday, 27 May 2026 at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban. The graduation schedule, with full details of the ceremonies, is available on the DUT website at www.dut.ac.za.
Pictured: Faculty of Health Sciences graduates taking their oath.
Photography: Khulsande Tshayile
Waheeda Peters
