“Whatever you do, do your best at it, you will only get one chance. Yes, there will be hardships, obstacles and tears, but the end goal and destination is always worth it.” 

This is the advice from Prenisha Govender who will be graduating with Cum Laude and obtain the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award for her BTech in Industrial Engineering at the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Spring Virtual Graduation to be held online, on Monday, 30 November 2020 at 12pm. 

Govender (23) from Kharwastan in Chatsworth said she has always been academically inclined and self-motivated to build a professional career profile for herself. 

Her journey at DUT started in 2015 after enrolling for her National Diploma in Industrial Engineering.  

“Doing Industrial Engineering at the Durban University of Technology was the best decision I have ever made. After obtaining my diploma, I then started my BTech, then here I am. I have no regrets and would do it all over again. I would like to thank the Industrial Engineering Department for their continuous support for my course modules, I could not have done it without their support and guidance. I think the most stressful part was actually at test week and the exam period. But I survived it all!” said the excited Govender. 

She said she will never forget the food court at Steve Biko campus, especially the famous Jameela’s Wrap. 

Furthermore, Govender revealed that she started her BTech at the same time when she was hired as an Industrial Engineering Graduate at Toyota Boshoku South Africa (TBSA). “Working in an environment which has Japanese culture which is similar to Industrial Engineering and lean manufacturing, is like a dream come true. They say if you love what you do, you will never have to work a day in your life. I am living proof that it does and can happen if you choose your passion, field and path wisely,” added Govender. 

A special thanks also goes to her current employer TBSA whom she said played a big role in making her studying and working manageable, giving her an opportunity to excel in her studies. 

Speaking about her achievement, Govender said she did not expect it but her motto in life is “whatever you do, do your best at it, you won’t get another chance”. She said this motto helped her to push hard in every test, assignment and exam to make sure that whatever the outcome, she will have not have any regrets. 

The highlight of obtaining the Dean’s Merit Award for Govender is her memorable moment, seeing her parents’ reactions when they heard about it for the first time. 

She encouraged students to work hard at everything they do and always want anything against their name to be of value and substance. 

Govender expressed her disappointment of graduating virtually and said she was looking forward to walking on the graduation stage. 

“To be honest, I would have loved an actual graduation, all the graduates of 2020 have worked so hard and I feel by walking on that stage and your name being called is a feeling that cannot be bought. It’s the feeling that all the hard work, late nights, all studying and stress brought you to this moment that cannot be described. It’s a moment where you are applauded for the amazing work that you put in for you!” she said. 

She plans to further her studies to expand her knowledge and expertise in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.  

Pictured: Prenisha Govender 

Simangele Zuma