Page 32 - DUT CONNECT Summer 2024

DUT Alumnus Sareshen Pillay Honoured
as News Bulletin Reader of the Year
Durban University of Technology (DUT) alumnus, Sareshen Pillay, has been recognised as the News Bulletin Reader of the Year at the prestigious 2024 Telkom Radio Awards. This remarkable achievement marks another milestone in Sareshen’s illustrious broadcasting career, which began during his time at DUT.
Reflecting on this honour, Sareshen shared, “It’s an absolute honour being recognised and appreciated among the best in SouthAfrica’sradioindustry.”Thisaccoladeisatestamenttohis dedication and perseverance in the field of journalism.
A Journey Rooted in Hard Work and Determination
Sareshen’s journey to success was anything but easy. After matriculating, he took a gap year before pursuing a journalism degree at DUT. During his studies, he worked on weekends at a restaurant and later at a sporting goods store.These experiences helped him develop interpersonal skills and shaped him into the friendly and approachable professional he is today.
As part of his final-year internship, Sareshen worked at Radio Hindvani, a community radio station.This opportunity, facilitated by then Head of Department, Robin Sewlal, was pivotal in honing his broadcasting and journalistic skills.“Radio Hindvani gave me my first taste of radio broadcasting,” he said.“It shaped who I am today as a broadcaster, and I am forever grateful to the station for giving me that opportunity.”
After years of perseverance, including seven years as a freelancer with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Sareshen’s dedication paid off. This year, he celebrated his 10th anniversary with the SABC—a journey crowned by his recent recognition at the Telkom Radio Awards.
Inspiration and Challenges
Sareshen’s passion for storytelling and his love for South Africa inspired him to pursue a career in news broadcasting.“I’ve always wanted to tell meaningful community stories, giving a voice to the voiceless and making a difference,” he explained.
While the profession comes with challenges, including technical difficulties and the pressure of live broadcasting, Sareshen embraces these moments as part of the beauty of radio. Recalling a memorable on-air mishap, he laughed, “In one of my early broadcasts on Lotus FM, I nervously mispronounced ‘fifty- six’ as ‘fifty-sex’! Needless to say, I received a lot of messages asking what I was thinking about at the time.”
To aspiring broadcasters, Sareshen’s advice is clear.“It takes many years to achieve greatness, and it becomes easier when you have the passion and love for what you do. If you’re in it for fame and money, broadcasting, especially news broadcasting, is not for you.” He emphasises the importance of diligence, consistency, and professionalism, underscoring the need to always verify and double-check news stories.
A Proud DUT Alumnus
Sareshen credits DUT for laying the foundation of his successful career. “I am thankful for being at DUT City Campus. I met so many wonderful people from all walks of life who have gone on to achieve great things.The connections and experiences I had at DUT contributed significantly to my journey.”
Looking ahead, Sareshen aspires to further his studies in journalism and deepen his impact in the industry. His achievements serve as an inspiration to current DUT students and alumni, exemplifying the heights that can be reached through perseverance, passion, and a commitment to excellence.
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During his studies, he worked on weekends at a restaurant and later at a sporting goods store. These experiences helped him develop interpersonal skills and shaped him into the friendly and approachable professional he is today.