Senayshia Marimuthu’s (25) journey at DUT has been one filled with growth, learning and unforgettable opportunities. The beautiful lass completed her Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology (BICT) Honours degree at the DUT 2026 Autumn Graduation ceremony held at the Olive convention Centre on Thursday, 21 May 2026.
Throughout her studies she was exposed to both the technical and leadership aspects of the ICT industry. One of the highlights of her journey was serving as a class representative, which helped her to develop leadership, communication and problem-solving skills.
“DUT also gave me opportunities beyond the classroom, including participating in the Agentic AI Hackathon with Adapt IT and travelling to Russia for the Global Digital Forum. These experiences broadened my perspective on technology and innovation on a global scale,” she said.
“Graduating is a very emotional and rewarding moment for me. It feels amazing to see all the hard work, sacrifices and dedication finally paying off. I am proud of how far I have come, and I am excited for the next chapter of my journey,” expressed a jubilant Senayshia.
She sincerely thanked all her lecturers and mentors at DUT for their guidance and support throughout her journey, especially Mr Ebrahim Asmal, Mrs Ugeshni Moodley and Mr Fanie Ndlovu.
“I am truly grateful for the role they played and for the opportunities they presented to me, which helped me reach this milestone. I am also thankful to DUT for providing me with opportunities that extended beyond academics and helped prepare me for the professional world. My journey at DUT has shaped me into the person I am today, and I will always be proud to be a DUT graduate,” she exclaimed.
As a dedicated academic student, Senayshia indicated that she espouses to DUT’s living values and principles and one of the DUT values she associates with most is excellence. “Throughout my academic journey, I always pushed myself to grow, take on new opportunities and give my best in everything I did. I also value innovation because the ICT field is constantly evolving, and DUT encouraged us to think creatively and adapt to new technologies and ideas,” she said.
For Senayshia, a huge challenge she had experienced was balancing academic pressure, leadership responsibilities and personal commitments at the same time.
“There were moments that were stressful and overwhelming, especially during deadlines and exams, but those experiences taught me resilience, discipline and time management,” she highlighted.
Professor Ferina Marimuthu, Head of Department of Financial Accounting in the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics, and mother to Senayshia, said that she was extremely proud and emotional seeing her daughter graduate. “Seeing her happy and proud of her achievement made the moment even more special for me because she has always supported and encouraged me throughout my academic journey.” 
She further indicated that her daughter’s BICT Honours journey at DUT truly reflects the university’s vision of producing adaptive, future‑ready graduates.
“Through her leadership roles, participation in the AI Hackathon and representing DUT in Russia, she gained the confidence, agility and global perspective needed in today’s digital world. I’m incredibly proud of her growth and deeply grateful to the lecturers and mentors who shaped her into the young professional she is today,” she said euphorically.
For is Senayshia, this was her choice of study because she always was interested in technology, innovation and how digital solutions can improve people’s lives. “I enjoy learning about new technologies and being part of an industry that is constantly growing and evolving,” she explained.
In terms of her studies, Senayshia plan to continue studying further in the future. She believes that learning never stops, especially in the technology field where there are always new developments and opportunities to grow professionally and personally.
“My goal is to continue growing within the technology and project management space while contributing to innovative solutions that make a positive impact. I also hope to continue developing my leadership skills and eventually take on larger strategic roles within the industry,” she added.
Currently, Senayshia is working as a Junior Project Manager at APZOR, a fintech company based in Umhlanga. Her role involves assisting with project coordination, client communication and managing various project processes within the company.
Her advice would to first year students at DUT are to stay consistent, believe in themselves and take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way. “Do not be afraid to ask questions, network with people and step outside of your comfort zone. The ICT industry is constantly changing, so being adaptable and willing to learn is very important,” she concluded.
Pictured: Senayshia Marimuthu
Waheeda Peters
