A 21-year-old from Newlands East, Durban, Keyanna Kyd achieved a remarkable milestone by graduating Cum Laude with the prestigious Dean’s Merit award at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) (2025 Autum Graduation ceremony. The graduation took place on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC). She earned her Bachelor of Applied Arts Degree in Screen Arts and Technology, highlighting her outstanding academic achievement.
Sharing her journey at DUT, she said that her time at the university had been more than just an academic experience. She had gained skills and knowledge that had helped shape her character. She had made amazing discoveries about herself and realised she was capable of more than she thought. She was grateful for her lecturers, who had recognised her work ethic and determination, providing opportunities that had enriched her growth. She was proud of the progress she had made during her time at DUT.
When asked which DUT living values and principles he deeply resonates with, Kyd said, “Commitment, once I set my mind on something, I give it my full effort, especially if it’s something I am passionate about. This value fuelled my determination throughout my studies, pushing me to overcome challenges and achieve my goals.”
“Graduating with Cum Laude and the Dean’s Merit award was a pleasant surprise. When I started studying at DUT, I focused on learning and improving on each project. Taking on a course made up of practical and theoretical components comes with its challenges, and while I did want to set the bar high for myself, I also encouraged myself to do everything to the best of my ability. I am proud of my efforts and thrilled to have exceeded my expectations,” she explained.
Kyd shared the news with his family that she is graduating, saying that when he told them about achieving Cum Laude and the Dean’s Merit award, they were happy and beamed with pride. She expressed gratitude for her mother’s support, stating that she had worked tirelessly to ensure she and her sister had the resources needed to achieve their goals.
“My journey began with a passion for scriptwriting and a desire to tell stories. However, as I progressed, I discovered that the course offered so much more. Gaining knowledge and skills for various roles gave me a solid foundation in the film industry. Currently, I am pursuing the Degree of Bachelor of Applied Arts Honours Screen Arts and Technology. I am excited to explore postgraduate opportunities that will enable me to expand my skills and continue growing,” she stated.
Kyd advised first-year students to approach success as a journey, not a sprint, cautioning them not to expect to excel from the start. She emphasised the importance of measuring progress on their own terms, rather than comparing themselves to others, and highlighted that real growth comes from consistent effort, learning from mistakes, and being willing to make sacrifices.
Sharing her long-term goal, she said her career aspiration is to position Durban as a leading destination for both local and international filmmakers. She aims to achieve this by establishing her own production company, producing world class content that’s globally recognised for its creativity and authentic African storytelling.
Beyond that, she’s passionate about paving the way for other South African women, specifically those females from disadvantaged communities. Her goal is not just to succeed, but to open doors for others and change the narrative.
Pictured: Keyanna Kyd
Photographer: Thobela Khumalo
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
