The Durban University of Technology (DUT) ended the Autumn Graduation season on a high note with the awarding of an honorary Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Health Sciences to South Africa’s leading epidemiologist and infectious diseases specialist, Professor Salim Abdool Karim. The honorary doctorate was conferred by the DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban earlier today (31 May 2023).
Prof Mthembu acknowledged Prof Abdool Karim for his exceptional contributions in the global health environment and his outstanding service to humanity. He congratulated the last cohort of graduands from the Faculty of Health Sciences for being very lucky to graduate together with Prof Abdool Karim. Prof Mthembu said he hopes that they will be inspired to follow in his footsteps and become highly respected academics whose contributions will improve lives and livelihoods.
Prof Abdool Karim (63), from Durban, is the Director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) and CAPRISA Professor for Global Health in the Department of Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. He is the former COVID-19 Advisory Committee Chairperson. He previously served as President of the South African Medical Research Council. In 2022, he was appointed as a Special Advisor on pandemics to the Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
As a distinguished health expert, Prof Abdool Karim has played a leading role in the HIV/AIDS and the COVID-19 pandemics. His expertise has extensively contributed to the HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, as well as the COVID-19 response, thereby saving many lives.
In his welcome remarks, the Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at DUT, Mr Alan Khan said: “ Today, we celebrate excellence. Today, we celebrate our adaptive graduates at DUT. The DUT ENVISION2030 strategy which was launched just over three years ago continues to make a meaningful impact at our university. For the second year in a row DUT was ranked in the Top 5 of all South African Universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings that were announced in London. DUT was also ranked as the number 1 University of Technology in South Africa. We are extremely proud of our students and staff who continue to live the values and principles as enshrined in our ENVISION2030 strategy.”
Khan mentioned that the 2023 Autumn Graduation comprising of 8122 graduates was held over 33 sessions over 12 days in Durban and Pietermaritzburg. According to Khan the women dominated this season contributing to a total of 61% of the 8122 graduates.
Prof Salim Abdool Karim
Delivering his conferment address, Prof Abdool Karim began by stating that it was a humbling honour for him to be at DUT on this prestigious event.
“It is a special occasion the day you get to wear the red robe, a day that you call yourself an academic. A day on which your life will change forever because everybody will call you Doctor. To all the students, I want you to remember that you are the privileged in our society. You are now the future of our society, we will depend on you,” said Prof Abdool Karim.
He shared his three key concepts that come from his work on COVID-19 that talk to what is needed to succeed as an academic, as a professional and somebody who is now going to lead and be part of the leadership of the country.
“The first is find your passion, find the thing that makes you wake up in the morning, the thing that lights the fire in you. It will find you and don’t despair if you have not found it already. It is going to be the basis in which you will find your calling in life, you will find what excites you and makes a difference to each day in your life. Secondly, persevere, nothing comes to those who don’t have patience and perseverance. If something comes easily it means that other people also have it. You have to take on the difficulties in life and never give up as obstacles are put in your way. You have been given an education to overcome those obstacles. Lastly, be the best that you can be and never settle for second best,” advised Prof Abdool Karim.
In closing the Executive Dean: Faculty of Health Sciences at DUT, Professor Gugu Mchunu thanked Prof Abdool Karim and his family in attendance for making the last day of graduation extra special. She thanked the faculty staff and the DUT community who contributed in making the 2023 Autumn Graduation a huge success. Prof Mchunu wished the graduates well in their future endeavors and extended her gratitude to the parents and guardians for their prayers, support and guidance in ensuring that their children succeed.
Last night, (31 May 2023), the University hosted a Celebratory Gala Dinner to honour Prof Abdool Karim at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (Durban ICC).
Pictured: Professor Salim Abdool Karim receiving his honorary Doctorate from DUT Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane.
Simangele Zuma
