Page 7 - DUT EDGE Dec 21

Graduation 2021
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Hard Work Pays Off for Graduate
Katherine de Bruin is ecstatic
at graduating with her BTech: Emergency Medical Care cum laude at DUT’s Virtual Graduation Ceremony on 1 December 2021.
Pictured: Katherine de Bruin.
De Bruin, who hails from Pretoria is currently employed as an Operations Manager for a private ambulance service in Johannesburg. She also studied towards a Bachelor of Science in Physiology and Biochemistry part time and achieved a black belt in Taekwondo.
Speaking about her studies at DUT, de Bruin said the two-year part-time course involved a number of contact sessions each year to complete both the theory and practical components. Students also underwent clinical skills training in a hospital.
She said that graduating cum laude was a wonderful surprise.
“Being in the Emergency Medical services, and dealing first hand with the COVID-19 pandemic, we haven’t had much time to process anything. I was just happy that I passed, but after hearing that I passed cum laude, I felt proud of myself.This is proof that, no matter how difficult your circumstanc- es, with motivation, determination and discipline, you can still achieve your goals.”
Studying further is a priority as she is working towards enrolling for a PhD. She advised students to remember that life will get tough, but they should never give up on their dreams.
Simangele Zuma
Pictured: Mbalenhle Beautify Mdontswa
Never Abandon Hope!
Mbalenhle Beautify Mdontswa’s journey at DUT was not easy, but support from her friends and family enabled her to complete it.
The 23-year-old hails from the small village of Antioch in Umzim- khulu. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration specialising in Disaster Risk Management cum laude on 1 December 2021. Mdontswa also received a Dean’s Merit Award.
“The year 2018 was the hardest and the most stressful year of my life as I was struggling to find a university to study but I never lost hope and giving up was never an option,” she said.
She added that receiving a call from DUT to congratulate her on receiving her degree cum laude and on her Dean’s Merit Award
was “the most joyful and blessed moment of my life. It made it all worthwhile.” Mdontswa plans to further her studies in Disaster Risk Management as well as Health and Safety Management, with the aim of gaining employment as a Disaster Manager.
Waheeda Peters
Pictured: Neshika Munshi
Student
Awardedall her Degrees
Cum laude
It was a proud moment for Neshika Munshi (26) from Reservoir Hills when she received her Master’s in Health Sciences cum laude at DUT’s Virtual Graduation on 1 December 2021.
Munshi, who initially enrolled to study Child and Youth Development, said that one of her goals was to receive all her qualifications cum laude. Her dreams came true and her National Diploma and BTech Degree in Child andYouth Development were awarded cum laude.
“I was determined to make it a trifecta. I knew it would not be easy. When I heard the news I was in shock at first and cried because my hard work and dedication paid off. I am also very grateful for the support I received from my family and supervisors,” she said.
Her study focused on ‘Hinduism as a healing system: traditions and rituals that con- tribute to the wellbeing of families.’ She said the study revealed that Hindu families derive immense psycho-social, health and spiritual benefits from participation in Hindu rituals and healing methodologies.
The major challenge she faced was the workload, which called for organisational skills and guidance from her supervisor to meet deadlines.
Munshi plans to register for a PhD. Her long-term goal is to lecture in the field of child and youth care.
Simangele Zuma
Leavinga Legacy
“It is a proud moment to
be awarded my Bachelor of Technology in Engineering in Civil Engineering and the Dean’s Merit Award is the cherry on the top,” said Sashen Pather at DUT’s Virtual Graduation on 1 December 2021.
Pictured: Sashen Pather
He added that he was always interested in engineering, and his choice of Civil Engineering was largely due to the hype around the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa when there was a lot of new civil infrastructure and upgrading.
Currently employed at Singh Govender & Associates, in Westville, Durban, as a Civil Engineering Technologist, Singh added: “I want to make a difference in my community and to leave a legacy for my children by providing improved civil infrastructure in South Africa.” He aims to continue his academic journey and study to become a Professional Engineering Technologist.
He said that his biggest motivation is his wife Rovanie, baby girl Viyona and his parents. “I work hard so I can provide for my family and to uphold my family name.
Every day when I see my little girl, she inspires me to work harder so I can give her the platform to flourish and achieve her dreams one day. I also want to thank Sunil Singh, the Director of Singh Govender & Associates, for affording me the opportunity to gain a vast amount of experience in Civil Engineering and to further my studies.”
His advice to future engineering students is to be self-motivated, passionate about engineering and have the drive and dedication to put in the time.
“A career path should not be driven by the desire for money or fame, but the need to achieve one’s goals and be happy with the journey you have chosen. Lastly, live your life, not someone else’s,” he said.
Waheeda Peters