The Department of Community Health Studies at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted its annual Student Awards Ceremony at the Coastlands Hotel, Musgrave. The purpose of the event was to acknowledge the top student achievers for their hard work and dedication in producing excellent results.
From level 1 to level 4, certificates of achievement were given to students studying Environmental Health and Child and Youth Care, respectively. Level coordinators worked with the lecturers to conduct the certification programme.
Head of Department (HOD) in Community Health Studies, Dr Moeti Kgware delivered an insightful opening address to all the attendees and alluded students for their remarkable achievement. He further urged final year students to go back to their communities and be the voice of the children.
“DUT is the only institution in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and on the continent of Africa that is offering Child and Youth Care, therefore we are the first line of defence for children. We only ask that you go out to the communities and apply what you have learnt and fulfil your role of protecting children of South Africa. Please present the DUT brand with respect and always remember the knowledge that we have taught you throughout the years,” said Dr Kgware.
Incoming President of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) for the term 2026 to 2028, Dr David Musoke delivered the keynote address. The distinguished senior lecturer at Makerere University School of Public Health in Uganda congratulated the winners, and expressed his strong interest in collaborating with DUT.
“I wish to congratulate all those that will be receiving awards today, it is very exciting to see many young people being recognised for their hard work, in my eyes, all of you are winners. I am hopeful that some of you will visit Uganda in the future. From when I met Dr Kgware in Uganda, we were both very keen on establishing strong relationship between DUT and Makerere University,” he said.
Students from both Environmental Health and Child and Youth Care competed in all modules within the programme and the winners were as follows:
Overall achievers for the Child and Youth Care programme are:
- Level 1 : Sinethemba Khoza
- Level 2: Nokubonga Princess Mbuyazi
- Level 3: Nombulelo Fortunate Mnisi
- Level 4: Behnazeer Shaik
Overall achievers for the Environmental Health programme are:
- Level 2: N Lushozi
- Level 3: (tie): TK Mbatha and N Zulu
- Level 4: C Arumugam
Ceanne Arumugam was recognised as an overall achiever in Environmental Health Level 4, and she explained how her decision to pursue a profession in Environmental Health was influenced by the increasing environmental degradation and the increasing number of fatalities caused by environmental dangers.
“I have always been deeply concerned about how issues such as pollution, unsafe water, and improper waste management disproportionately affect communities and workers. What excites me about this field is its constant evolution, as new challenges demand innovative solutions. Moreover, the principle of prioritising safety and sustainability remains timeless, making Environmental Health a career that is as relevant today as it will be in the future,” she explained.
Arumugam added that achieving the top spot in her course has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and it feels like a testament to the power of hard work, unwavering dedication and faith.
Pictured: DUT Faculty staff with the guest speaker at the Student Awards ceremony.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese
Thubelihle Dumakude
