Tashmika Ganesh’s passion for mechanical engineering was sparked by her grandfather, Dan Sarawan who was a mechanic. Watching him repairing machines fueled her curiosity and academic ambitions. She graduated Cum Laude for her Degree of Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Mechanical Engineering at Durban University of Technology (DUT). The DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony was held on Tuesday, 27 May 2025 at Olive Convention Centre (OCC) in Durban.
Born in Bluff, Durban, she has always been fascinated by machines, how they work, and how they can be improved. Thanks to his grandfather who exposed her to the mechanical world.
“My journey in mechanical engineering was inspired by my grandfather, who was a mechanic. His passion for fixing and understanding machines sparked my curiosity, and I wanted to take it further by exploring the depths of mechanical systems. Over the years, this curiosity has grew into a true passion for the field,’’ she said.
Ganesh said that graduating Cum Laude was a great honour and a reflection of the dedication and effort she put into her studies.
‘’It was incredibly rewarding to see my hard work recognised, it motivated me to continue striving for excellence in my future academic and professional pursuits,’’ she added.
She also revealed how her family was incredibly proud and excited when they heard the news. Additionally, she said that her mother and grandfather both played a significant role in inspiring her journey.
The 24-year-old highlighted that studying at DUT was an enriching experience that provided her with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical skills. She believes that it was a journey that challenged her to think critically, solve real-world problems, and apply engineering principles to innovative projects.
Throughout her studies, she worked on various projects, including a portable ventilator for Covid-19 patients and a sustainable desalination plant to alleviate the water shortages in South Africa. These experiences helped Tashmika to shape problem-solving skills and prepared her for the professional world.
As she plans to pursue a Master’s Degree and eventually a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. One of her key interests is in sustainable engineering solutions, particularly in desalination technology for water purification. She believes that mechanical engineering has a crucial role to play in addressing global challenges, and she is eager to contribute to innovative projects that create a positive impact.
Therefore, it is without the doubt that she will become one of the best female mechanical engineers in the country as she aims to establish herself as a leading engineer in the energy sector, focusing on innovative solutions for power generation and sustainability. She has already received an employment package from Siemens Energy in Johannesburg, where she will be working in a hands-on role involving site work.
This opportunity aligns with her passion for mechanical engineering and provides an exciting platform to contribute to the energy sector.
Ganesh described excellence and innovation as one of the DUT ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles that has guided her throughout her academic journey. She claimed that mechanical engineering is a field that thrives on continuous learning and improvement. Therefore, these values have shaped her approach to problem-solving and research.
Like many students, she encountered many challenges such as demanding workload, balancing theoretical studies with practical applications, and navigating complex engineering concepts. However, her perseverance, time management, and the support from lecturers and peers helped her overcome these obstacles.
She encouraged first-year students to stay curious and never stop learning because engineering is a dynamic field that requires continuous improvement.
Pictured: Tashmika Ganesh.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.
Vukani Langa
