Professor Gugu Mchunu has encouraged graduates from the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology to become healthcare professionals equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Prof Mchunu who serves at the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences delivered her congratulatory remarks during the closing graduation ceremony for the Faculty of Health Sciences, held at the Olive Convention Centre on Saturday, 23 May 2026.
Addressing the Class of 2025, Prof Mchunu urged graduates to prepare themselves for an ever-changing healthcare system shaped by technology, automation, and the demand for sustainable solutions to societal challenges.
“The world of work is different; this is where the adaptive graduate attributes come in. You need to think about transcending isolated patient treatment to integrate other interconnected technological layers such as AI, genomics and remote patient monitoring,” said Prof Mchunu.
She reminded graduates that their academic journey had prepared them to adapt to future challenges through laboratory work, assignments, research, practical training and academic achievements.
Prof Mchunu highlighted the distinctiveness of DUT graduates, emphasising that they combine academic excellence with practical experience, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.
“DUT graduates stand out because they do not rely solely on academics but blend academics with practical, technology-driven innovation, and have entrepreneurial DNA,” she added.
Encouraging graduates to make meaningful contributions to society and their professions, she shared a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson:
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.”
She challenged graduates to reflect on the legacy they wish to leave in their respective professions and communities.
During her address, Prof Mchunu also expressed gratitude to academic and support staff, parents, guardians, sponsors, Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) partners, clinical training facilities, businesses, NGOs and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the graduates.
She acknowledged the efforts of Health Sciences departments across the Durban and Midlands campuses, as well as Hospitality students and staff at the Olive Convention Centre for their role in ensuring the success of the graduation ceremonies.
In closing, Prof Mchunu thanked graduates for choosing DUT and encouraged them to continue flying the university’s flag high by being “creative, distinctive and impactful.”
“Go out into the world and be the change that we have been waiting for,” she concluded.
Prof Mchunu also led the Faculty of Health Sciences Graduate Pledge through the Candlelight ceremony, where the newly graduated healthcare professionals vowed to serve their country and community to the best of their ability, maintaining the utmost respect for human life.
Pictured: Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Gugu Mchunu addressing graduates.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Simangele Zuma
