Having a keen interest in the practical application of science and engineering to a wide array of real world problems, drew Keegan Govender to the extraordinary field of engineering technology.
The dynamic Govender obtained Cum Laude for his Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours degree at the DUT 2024 Autumn Graduation held at the Olive Convention Centre on Monday, 20 May 2024.
Expressing his excitement upon receiving the news, Govender said: “Graduating Cum Laude carries profound significance for me as it represents not only academic excellence but also the culmination of dedication, determination and hard work.”
Govender confessed that throughout his time at DUT, he had encountered various challenges typical of any student’s journey.
“Balancing full-time studies with my responsibilities as a full- time employee and personal commitments proved to be demanding. However, through effective time management, sacrificing many nights of sleep, seeking guidance from professors and peers, and maintaining a resilient mindset, I successfully navigated these challenges,” he added.
Govender hails originally from the south suburbs of Durban and indicated that he had begun his academic journey in 2023 to advance his education by enrolling in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours Programme in Electronic Engineering at DUT.
For Govender, he relayed that the honours programme posed significant challenges for him, especially since his last qualification was obtained in 2019 with a Bachelor of Technology in Electronic Engineering.
“Much had changed over the intervening years, and I had to rapidly acquire new knowledge to progress through the course.
Govender has immense respect for all students who are keen to pursue such a course. His advice to aspiring students, is to remain steadfast in their pursuits, resilient in the face of adversity, and to recognise the power of hard work and determination.
“Surrounding oneself with a supportive network of peers, mentors, and professors is crucial for guidance and encouragement. Additionally, embracing failure as a catalyst for growth and persevering through setbacks are essential. Each obstacle presents an opportunity to learn and evolve, so it’s vital not to shy away from taking risks and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone,” he said.
Going forward, Govender is determined to commence with the Master’s programme upon his graduation.
Pictured: Keegan Govender
Waheeda Peters
