It was a proud moment for Mrs Waheeda Peters, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Publications Officer when she was conferred with her Master’s degree in Journalism at the DUT 2023 Autumn Graduation ceremony which was held at the Olive Oil Convention Centre on 30 May 2023.
Peters from Manor Gardens has been working as the Publications Officer at DUT for over nine years. Over the years, she has contributed immensely in the promotion of DUT excellence via the publications and also the DUT website.
Her journey at DUT began when she enrolled for her National Diploma in Journalism at the ML Sultan Technikon many years ago. This is where she met her life partner, Carl Peters, who is also a seasoned journalist, now working as a Sports Editor in the Witness Newspaper.
According to Peters she was in the first group of Journalism students after the course was introduced. She indicated after her application was rejected at Natal Technikon, she then went to ML Sultan, Faculty of Arts and Design to plead with them to introduce a Journalism course until her cry was eventually heard.
“To say I was over the moon is an understatement. My classmates included renowned TV presenter, Iman Rappetti, Shivani Mansingh-Communications Director of SASSA and Riquadeu Jacobs, Managing Director of Capital Media and owner of the Witness, and many more,” reiterated Peters.
She is proud of herself for finally managing to obtain her Master’s degree despite her busy work schedule, being a wife and a mother of three children, Akram, Shane and Nadia.
The title of the research was: Is Social Media Spawning Digital Narcissism? A Case Study of Kwazulu-Natal Digital Millennials. Her supervisor was Professor Surendra Thakur and Ms Bibi Ayesha Mall.
“I embarked on this study after observing how digitisation had impacted on the generation of millennials, including my three children. Also, because personally, in my opinion, I could see the way the millennials of this era had evolved. The generation of ‘I love myself’, being introverts, depicting selfishness, having no empathy for others and focusing on the superficiality of what life is all about. When I say this I had a discussion with my friends and we talked about how kids are becoming more non-verbal and with social media predominately taking over their lives,” explained Peters.
Speaking about her achievement, Peters said: “It feels surreal as it was the most difficult journey for me. I am happy to have finally reached the end of the line in my studies, so to speak, as this is a tribute to my father, something he will not be able to comprehend or be able to see me walk on stage. He is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and cannot recognise me anymore. He was diagnosed with this disease during my studies and it was a bitter pill to swallow. I am dedicating my Master’s to my dad, who never had the opportunity to study but worked extremely hard to put food on the family table.”
She is grateful to her husband who also obtained his Master’s degree at DUT in 2022 for his patience, support and understanding of all the obstacles she faced as an academic and a mother. Peters feels she would have not succeeded if it was not for the support she received from her supervisor, Prof Thakur, her mom, siblings, Feroza, Riaz and Nazreen, special friends and DUT work colleagues.
Her advice to aspiring journalists is to be creative, distinctive and impactful in all that they do. At DUT, she feels everyone needs to play their part by successfully implementing the ENVISION2030 strategy and living by the university’s values and principles, to improve lives and livelihoods.
“One cannot be given a title by not earning it. Work hard to prove yourself as your reputation and integrity is worth gold in this industry, and amount of money can replace that. Durban is a fish bowl, people will remember you for your worth, so the groundwork starts now. Evolve with times as the media landscape is becoming more and more digitised, so never lose an opportunity to always better yourself. You are as good as your name, be the best version of yourself and write, write, write. Don’t wait for opportunities to happen, make them happen,” concluded Peters.
Sending her congratulatory remarks, the Communications Manager, Ms Noxolo Memela said: “Congratulations to Mrs Peters, she has done well. It is no doubt that in a few years we will see Mrs Peters gracing the DUT graduation stage once again for her Doctorate. Well done on your sterling achievement.”
Sharing the same sentiments was Mr Alan Khan, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at DUT.
“I am extremely proud of Mrs Waheeda Peters. Graduating with her master’s degree in journalism is a wonderful achievement and I offer her and the family my sincere congratulations. Waheeda is a valued and respected member of our team, who is based in the Communications unit at Corporate Affairs. She lives the values and principles as enshrined in the DUT ENVISION2030 strategy and I wish Waheeda health and happiness; success and good fortune; in the years ahead,” said Khan.
Pictured: Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Professor Keolebogile Motaung with Waheeda Peters and the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Thandwa Mthembu.
Simangele Zuma
