This morning, Monday, 19 May 2025, saw the Durban University of Technology (DUT) where all graduands were on board, taking flight of its Autumn 2025 Graduation ceremonies at the Olive Convention Centre.
The theme of DUT’s 2025 graduation embraces 21 years for DUT, signifying a key to the world for one’s careers, further focusing on one’s passport to a world of opportunities. Becoming adaptive graduates encompassing living all the DUT’s ENVISION2030 values and principles, and being creative, distinctive and impactful in society is what DUT aims to impart to its graduands, said the charismatic Programme Director, Mr Alan Khan, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at DUT.
He highlighted that a total number of 7330 graduands from Midlands and Durban campuses will be graduating at the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation ceremonies, which will be held over 30 sessions. He explained that 61% of the DUT graduands are women which means once again at DUT, girl power is alive and well.
He welcomed the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Innovation and engagement (RIE), Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Professor Mashupye Kgaphola, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Executive Dean: Professor Suren Singh, DUT executives, DUT support staff, DUT graduands, internal stakeholders, president of the Student Representative Council (SRC), parents, guardians, funders and friends.
The first graduation milestone session marked a beginning of an exciting new chapter filled with endless possibilities. This morning’s session saw the sterling Faculty of Applied Sciences complete its cycle of graduating.
DUT’s) Faculty of Applied Sciences, Executive Dean Prof Suren Singh delivered an insightful message to the graduates, saying that this ceremony saw 242 students from Higher Certificates to Masters graduate and later this afternoon a further 265 graduates and this evening the session will close with 231 graduates, which completes Flight FAS 738 for take-off.”
The Faculty of Applied Sciences also boasts 22 Cum Laudes and Dean’s Merit awardees and 45 Cum Laude High Achievers who were recognised for their academic excellence. The Faculty Applied Sciences offers a broad spectrum of programmes that contribute to the science and technology ethos of the DUT nation.
“We have 10 Departments offering 12 programmes. Over 3000 students with just over 1000 first years, we have grown by almost 35% over the past 10 years. Almost 65% of our academic staff have doctorates, with 22 Professors and 20 are NRF-rated scientists, the best Science power you can find at DUT,” shared a delighted Prof Singh.
Sharing his excitement upon receiving his degree of Master of Applied Science in Chemistry with Cum Laude was Mutshidzi Mphaphuli. His dissertation tackled the development of an electrochemical gas sensor for the detection of volatile organic compounds in cosmetics.
He excitedly said that the university’s commitment to excellence inspired him to maintain high academic and ethical standards in both coursework and laboratory work.
Prof Singh further relayed to the graduate class that this academic celebration also owes its success to the dedicated efforts of key personnel across the university, including programme directors overseeing the graduation sessions, stage announcers guiding each ceremony, and essential departments such as corporate affairs, the design unit, the AV unit, registrar’s office, and faculty offices.
He also took the opportunity, on behalf of all of the faculty and DUT family, to say congratulations to the parents especially, as well as family and friends for their sacrifices and making possible this graduation ceremony today.
“As you step onto the runway of life, remember that every flight has an unique destination. Some of you are bound for bustling cities of opportunity, others for quiet towns of reflection before your new visa application, and some for uncharted territories of innovation. Your paths may diverge, but your compass remains the same: the values, skills, and dreams you carry from DUT and the Faculty of Applied Sciences. So, graduates, as you taxi toward take-off, remember your families and know this: the skies are clear, and your potential is boundless. The world awaits your arrival, eager to witness the destinations you will reach and the legacies you will create. Congratulations to the Class of 2024-your flight FAS 738 is cleared for departure to celebrate success and explore,” said the elated Prof Singh.
Pictured: The Faculty of Applied Sciences first graduation class.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Waheeda Peters
