The department of Emergency and Medical Rescue (EMCR) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted a prestigious Awards and Pledge Ceremony for the fourth-year Emergency Medical Care and Rescue students on 28 November 2025.
The event, held at the Hotel School on Ritson Campus, brought together DUT staff, families, and guests to celebrate the students’ transition from academic study to professional practice.
The ceremony represented more than an academic milestone it was a moment of unity, pride, and ethical commitment. The EMCR joined hands to recognise the students who are now stepping into the demanding world of emergency medical care.
A significant part of the event was the professional oath, designed to affirm the graduands moral and ethical responsibilities. This pledge ceremony serves as a public declaration of their dedication to upholding patient welfare, community service, and professional integrity.
Master of Ceremonies, Mr Yugan Pillay the lecturer in the department of EMCR opened the programme with heartfelt congratulations and reflections on the students’ journey. He remarked that this would be the last time he and staff would see the students in this blue uniform, acknowledging both the pride and nostalgia embedded in the moment. He applauded their perseverance through a rigorous programme, noting that some students faced difficult obstacles while others navigated smoother paths, but all had worked diligently to reach the finish line. Pillay also acknowledged the lecturers, highlighting the effort required to mentor and support a large cohort in such a demanding discipline. “It is not an easy task to get this group of young people through,” he said, emphasising the resilience of both students and staff.
Following his introduction, the Head of Department Mr Sageshin Naguran delivered a formal welcome address filled with admiration and encouragement. He extended warm greetings to families, friends, and supporters who had travelled to witness the ceremony. Addressing the students, he described the event as a day of recognition both for academic success and for the dedication shown throughout the programme. “Being an ECP is not just a profession, it is a calling,” he said. He praised the students for developing empathy, teamwork, self-discipline, and the ability to make critical decisions under tremendous pressure. He reminded them that while awards celebrate achievement, the true measure of their success lies in the lives they will ultimately save and the communities they will serve. He encouraged them to pursue continuous learning, uphold DUT’s values, and return to further their studies in the future.
The ceremony also included a moment of appreciation for class captains and representatives who played vital leadership roles. Mr Pillay highlighted how their discipline and teamwork helped maintain the strong ethos that the Emergency Medical Care Department is known for. He pointed out that the students function differently from most programmes at DUT dressing uniformly, operating as a cohesive team, and showing respect in ways that set them apart from their peers.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the address from the fourth-year class representative, Mr Sdingo Shandu, whose speech blended humour, humility, and emotion. He spoke candidly about his personal challenges with public speaking and expressed gratitude to his classmates for entrusting him with the role. Reflecting on their four-year journey which for some extended to five or six years he described the academic and emotional hurdles they faced. From demanding clinical practice and stressful simulations to unexpected mishaps with mannequins, Shandu captured the essence of their collective experience. He paid tribute to the lecturers who taught them skills, clinical judgment, professionalism, and how to stay calm when everything falls apart. He acknowledged the unwavering support from families, friends, and peers who cooked meals, shared notes, offered encouragement, and helped them through late-night study sessions and exam anxiety. In a touching moment, he reminded his classmates that they evolved from confused first-years into confident practitioners ready to handle real emergencies. “We became a chaotic, dysfunctional, caffeine-fuelled, resilient family,” he said.
Before the presentation of academic awards, Mr Melvin Chetty the lecturer in the department of EMCR offered a message of encouragement to the graduates. He applauded their endurance and growth, noting the long days of lectures, intense rescue training, simulation breakdowns, and early morning fitness sessions that shaped their training. Chetty emphasised the importance of ethical practice, humility, and compassion in the profession. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he reminded the graduates that their legacy would not be measured by how long they lived but by the difference they make in the lives of others. He urged them to treat all patients with dignity, regardless of their background or financial status, and to never lose sight of the profound responsibility that comes with being an Emergency Care Practitioner.
The awards segment celebrated both leadership and academic excellence. Recognition certificates were first presented to class captains for their commitment to guiding their classmates and supporting the department throughout the year. This was followed by the academic awards, honouring top achievers. Mr Pillay reminded the audience that although only a few could receive awards, every student had worked hard and deserved recognition for completing the rigorous programme.
One of the standout award recipients of the day was the forth-year student William Erasmus, who received two awards: Top Fourth-Year Student and Highest Academic Performance. Reflecting on his achievements, Erasmus said he was surprised but deeply proud. “If I look back to when I started fourth year and how little I knew, I will never say it was possible to win these awards. This trophy is not just for myself, it is a trophy for my class to show what we have achieved.”
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks by Karabo Tsiri from the department of EMCR, expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event’s success. She acknowledged the presence of alumni, lecturers, and guests, and extended a heartfelt thank you to the parents and families whose sacrifices and encouragement carried the students through their studies. She encouraged the students to remain humble, continue learning, and remember the values instilled in them by the programme. Ending with a blessing, she wished them strength and guidance as they step into their careers.
The ceremony ended on a high note, with applause, celebration, and heartfelt congratulations as the Class of 2025 prepared to embark on their careers as Emergency Care Practitioners. The day stood as a powerful reminder of the dedication, resilience, and compassion needed in emergency medical care qualities the graduates now carry with them into the communities they will serve.
Pictured: Fourth-year Emergency Medical Care and Rescue students at the awards ceremony.
Photography: Vukani Langa
Sinamile Sithole
