Four members of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT)  were honoured with a celebratory luncheon hosted by the Student Governance and Development unit, in recognition of their academic excellence. This event followed their recent graduation at the DUT 2024 Autumn Ceremonies.

The four SRC members who graduated are; Deputy President, Bongani Mchunu-Bachelor of Education, Nqubeko Sithole, Project Officer- Diploma in Public Administration, Fezeka Majombozi, Sport Officer-Diploma in Business Law and Siyabonga Mbatha, Project Officer-Bachelor of Education.

Student Development Officer Mr Andile Masuku facilitated the event, held at the Faculty of Health Sciences Clinic Boardroom, Ritson Campus on Friday, (7 June 2024). He guaranteed full support to the SRC members and staff to ensure that they reach their academic goals.

DUT Registrar Dr Maditsane Nkonoane extended a congratulatory message and appreciation, lauding the SRC members for leading by example. He further urged them to continue to break ground to change the image of the SRC, which has been deemed as hooligans with no interest in academic excellence. The graduates were encouraged to maintain the vibrance with their academics and make academic excellence fashionable. “You have done well. We are immensely proud of you” the Registrar said, “Soon enough we will make it mandatory that anyone who joins SRC must have a postgraduate qualification. We need to uphold these standards,’’ he said.

Delivering the opening remarks, the Student Governance and Development Manager, Mr Masiza Ngculu shared that this day is a moment of celebration, and it is important to recognize these important milestones. “Sometimes we become so busy with work and end up forgetting the importance of celebrating our achievements. This is to appreciate and motivate the student leadership to keep up the excellent work. I am incredibly happy and so inspired to see so many young people, (staff), in our unit having graduated during this season. Stay ambitious, we are proud of you,’’ he said.

Ms Thulile Duma, Executive Secretary to the Dean of Student Services shared that this is a special moment that deserves to be recognised.  Speaking on behalf of the Dean, she said, “We are fully aware that it was never easy to balance academic duties and SRC commitments. Therefore, you deserve to be celebrated. Thank you for being a good example, NISEBENZILE’’ she added.

On behalf of the staff graduate, Ms Kholeka Mfeka also expressed appreciation at the recognition by Student Services at large as well as the unit.  She shared the difficulties of her journey, from challenges with supervisors as well as juggling work and home life.  In encouraging the students present, she emphasized that it was all worth it in the end and challenged that the next level is the PhD.

For the graduates, the Student Representative Council (SRC) Deputy President Bongani Mchunu extended appreciation to the Student Governance and Development unit, he recalled his graduation moment which was on his birthday, and thanked DUT for both his personal and collective achievement as well as the ceremony.  He continued to challenge his fellow SRC members to multiply the graduate number next year.

“My comrades this year we only had four members, next year let us multiply it. Hopefully, I will be there also for my postgrad qualification. It is challenging to be in the SRC but with full support it is possible,’’ he said.

He also vowed to dedicate his postgraduate diploma to DUT in appreciation of the support they have given him and the whole SRC.

Pictured: DUT’s Student Governance and Development unit, with their staff and SRC members who recently graduated at the 2024 Autumn Graduation ceremony.

Photography: Khulasande Tshayile

Vukani Langa