Mr Rodney Reddy, originally from Tongaat in KwaZulu-Natal and currently residing in Gauteng, graduated from the Durban University of Technology Business School after completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Sciences in Business Administration, where he was awarded the Dean’s Merit Award. The graduation ceremony took place at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC) in Durban on Friday, 25 May 2026.
Sharing his journey at DUT, he said that DUT had been his academic home through several stages of his growth. He explained that he had completed his National Diploma in Electrical Engineering, followed by his Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering and thereafter his Master of Engineering.
He added that his master’s dissertation, titled: Network Optimization with High Penetration of Photovoltaics, had enabled him to present and publish his work on various engineering platforms, including formal publications within the engineering field. He further stated that graduating with a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Sciences: Business Administration had helped him broaden his technical engineering foundation into management, strategy, and business leadership.
“Graduating Cum Laude and receiving a Dean’s Merit Award is a great honour, and I feel both humbled and grateful for this recognition. I am thankful for the opportunity to have completed this qualification and for the support that made the journey possible. It is one of those moments where the late nights suddenly feel worth it. I hope this achievement inspires others to pursue academic excellence and to believe that, with commitment and perseverance, meaningful goals can be achieved,” he expressed.
Sharing some of the challenges he faced, he explained that balancing work, studies, travel, and personal commitments had been difficult. However, he appreciated that DUT ’s online learning platform had later made his postgraduate journey more manageable and accessible.
When asked about the DUT living values and principles that resonated most with him, he said that he associates with excellence, together with integrity, accountability, and commitment. He explained that excellence resonated with him because it was not only about meeting requirements, but also about striving to do better and adding real value.
He further stated that, for him, excellence was not about perfection but about giving one’s best and continuously improving. He added that his academic and professional journey and aligned closely with his work environment at Eskom, where ethical conduct, service, safety, accountability, and excellence are essential.
“My family’s reaction was probably even greater than mine; I think they celebrated it more than I did. When they heard that I had achieved Cum Laude and received a Dean’s Merit Award, they were overjoyed. Their reaction made the achievement even more meaningful to me. I also believe that my son has been inspired by seeing his father graduate with this honour, and I hope it encourages him and others in my family to value education and pursue excellence,” Rodney added.
He is currently employed at Eskom, based at Megawatt Park, where he works as a Professional Engineering Technologist in the National Distribution System Operator environment.
“My work is within the electrical distribution space, with a focus on power system analysis, network optimisation, grid modernisation, and the integration of new technologies such as embedded generation, battery storage, and rooftop solar. This role connects closely with my academic journey, particularly my background in electrical power engineering, renewable energy research, and now business administration,” he explained.
He advised first-year students to start early, stay committed, and take their studies one step at a time. He encouraged them not to be discouraged by challenges around them, stating that there is always room for committed and capable professionals. He further urged them to build strong foundations, seek mentorship, and remain consistent, emphasizing that their efforts would eventually open doors.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to my family for their support throughout my studies. Behind many qualifications is a family that has also quietly sacrificed. Furthering one’s studies is rewarding, but it also affects personal and family time, so the support of those closest to you makes a real difference,” he expressed.
Pictured: Rodney Reddy
Khulasande Tshayile
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
