Reflecting the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) commitment to academic excellence was Yuvthi Balram, a young woman from Chatsworth who graduated Cum Laude with a Dean’s Merit Award for her Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Management. She was celebrated for academic excellence at the DUT Autumn Graduation ceremony, held at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban on Monday, 18 May 2026.
The 21 year old was the only one in her class to receive the Dean’s Merit Award for academic excellence. For Yuvthi this achievement was no walk in the park, she experience ups and downs, late nights and burn outs. However, that did not deter her from achieving her dreams.
She described graduating with the prestigious academic accolade as one of the proudest moments of her life.
““I was truly honoured and grateful when my name was called on the graduation stage, saying I received Cum Laude with the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award. The cheers and applause from my family, fellow graduates, DUT academics and the guests was fantastic. This achievement reflected the many sacrifices, long nights, and unwavering support from my family, friends, and lecturers throughout my academic journey,” she said.
Recalling one of her biggest challenge on campus, Yuvthi shared that it when there were student protests. She said these did not only hinder her classes but it also compromised the safety of students and staff.
In her life, respect and honesty which are DUT values play a vital role. She said honesty helped her to take responsibility of her own actions. For her, respect assisted her in acknowledging different cultures, people living with disabilities and people’s different opinions.
“People always assume that Business and Information Management is an easy course, and always try to undervalue it, but trust me it’s not, it’s just as difficult. I plan to go in the Business Management field,” she said.
She’s currently completing her postgraduate diploma studies and in the future plans to take space in the business management field. She gave glory to God and her wonderful team of lecturers, who were motivating and encouraging her at all times.
Pictured: Yuvthi Balram.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Simangele Zuma
