In the spirit of resilience and perseverance, powerful tools to thrive in life, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) held a successful 2024 Spring graduation ceremony at the Durban Exhibition Centre on 19 September 2024.
One of the graduates is Noline Van Vuuren, who was born and raised in Brits, a small township in the Northwest.
“My husband was not sure how to react, as I was still trying to grasp the reality that I had completed my master’s. My mom and dad burst into tears of pride. My brothers are all very proud of their little sister,” she added.
She started her academic journey at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), where she earned a bachelor of Technology in Clinical Technology Critical Care. She then pursued her studies at DUT, completing her Master’s degree in Clinical Technology.
“The challenges I faced during my Master’s degree were juggling work, school, and daily duties as a mother. My youngest son was admitted to hospital twice at that time and I had to focus on my studies. I managed to submit my dissertation in November 2023 through the support of friends, my family and the guidance of my supervisor,” she narrated.
According to Van Vuuren, her time at DUT started off challenging due to the lockdown, but her overall experience was positive. She revealed that she selected DUT for her Master’s degree, citing Dr Prakaschandra’s exceptional supervision and the valuable support from the research librarians, as her means of expert guidance and assistance. Van Vuuren described her experience as “excellent” and strongly recommended DUT to future students.
She added that she believes in DUT’s living values and she resonates with accountability and commitment as being essential.. She is currently working as a Critical Care Technologist at Livingstone Hospital in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.
The 37-year-old graduate shared her favourite quote from Steve Jobs, emphasising the power of visionary thinking. She encouraged students to enter clinical technology with an open mind, acknowledging that the field may not suit everyone.
She extended her heartfelt gratitude to several individuals for their unwavering support throughout her thesis. She thanked her husband, Buks van Vuuren, for believing in her during moments of doubt and assisting with technical challenges. Van Vuuren also appreciated her sons, Matthys and Nico, for their patience and affection despite her late-night work.
Additionally, she acknowledged her family and friends for providing childcare, allowing her to work in peace. Van Vuuren credited Dr Lizette van der Merwe for inspiring her to pursue her master’s and providing guidance. She also expressed deep appreciation to her supervisors, Dr Ron Prakaschandra and Mduduzi Memela, from Durban University of Technology, and her colleagues at Livingstone Hospital.
Pictured: Noline Van Vuuren received her Master’s degree in the presence friends, family and the DUT community.
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
