The Durban University of Technology (DUT) continues to be a leader in pioneering and inculcating academic excellence within the ranks of its Student Representative Council (SRC) leaders.

History will be recorded once again at the 2019 Autumn graduation when five SRC leaders from both the Durban and Pietermaritzburg campuses are conferred with their qualifications during the upcoming ceremonies (29 and 30 April 2019 for Pietermaritzburg) and (06 to 14 May 2019 in Durban).

Despite the challenges that these student leaders may have faced during their academic journey, the DUT SRC continues to adhere to the Minister of Higher Education and Training’s 2018 clarion call for student leaders to complete their studies in record time. In 2018, Minister Naledi Pandor took to Twitter, encouraging all SRC leaders to leave their institutions of learning in minimum time and she urged them to lead by example, in order for them to go back to implement change within society, and to contribute to the economy of the country.

For the Deputy President of the SRC, Lindani Zungu, who will be graduating for his National Diploma in Public Relations and Communication Management, raised by his single mother, he is the first to study at University level from his community and he has not only made himself proud – but his family as well.

“I am the first one to study at University level in my community therefore I have made my family very proud,” he said excitedly.

Besides being a student at DUT, Zungu is also the Deputy President of the Student Representative Council (SRC), making sure that all the departments in the SRC offices are functioning efficiently. “I ensure that all students are served with integrity. I am a custodian and the head of delegation in the Midlands campus, so I always try to tackle the challenges we as students are facing,” he said.

Zungu, who is currently doing his BTech in Public Relations, added that he felt honoured to be part of the team which graduated this year (2019), as it was great studying at DUT and thoroughly enjoyable. He also said he is the fourth child in his family, raised by his mom, and is greatly inspired by people who were raised by single parents, just like him.

The President of the SRC, Sesiyanda Godlimpi who is also graduating with a BTech in Public Management commended fellow SRC members for being exemplary leaders. “I would like to congratulate the SRC members for leading by example. Indeed, we are the generation that makes the education fashionable. I think we should celebrate our small and big successes much more. In the frenzy of everyday life, we are not accustomed to stop for a moment and rejoice over what we have accomplished. Nevertheless, celebrating results is very important to feel more satisfied, serene, and happy,” he said.

The full list of DUT SRC members who will be graduating include:

• Sesiyanda Godlimpi- SRC President: Bachelor of Technology Degree in Public Management: Thursday 9 May 2019 at 18H00.
• Lindani Zungu- Deputy SRC President: National Diploma in Public Relations and Communications Management: Monday 29 April 2019 at 10am.
• Sibusiso Zuma- Education and Transformation(PMB): National Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting, Tuesday 30 April 2019 at 13H00.
• Wendy Machi- Social and Welfare Officer (DBN): National Diploma in Journalism, Thursday, 9 May 2019 at 14H00.
• Musa Mbonambi- Treasurer: National Diploma in Office Management, Monday 13 May 2019 at 18H00.

Pictured: DUT SRC members during their inauguration last year (2018).

Noxolo Memela, Waheeda Peters and Nduduzo Ndlovu