The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently honoured academic excellence at the Chemical Engineering Merit Awards ceremony, held at the DUT Hotel School on the Ritson campus in Durban. The prestigious event celebrated the exceptional achievements of both students and lecturers, recognising their hard work and dedication.
The ceremony saw classmates enthusiastically cheering for one another’s accomplishments, while proud parents looked on as their children were honoured for their academic triumphs. Lecturers, who played a crucial role in guiding and mentoring the students, eagerly joined in the celebration, reflecting the strong sense of community and academic excellence.
In his opening address, Acting Head of Department at Chemical Engineering, Dr Peterson Thokozani Ngema, warmly welcomed parents, students and colleagues. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, highlighting the importance of the occasion and the shared commitment to fostering academic success.
“This awards ceremony was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, we gathered to appreciate the exceptional achievements of our students and to encourage them to continue striving for excellence,” said Dr Ngema.
Dr Ngema also seized the opportunity to emphasise the importance of DUT’s living values, which he noted some students had failed to apply. He urged parents to report any instances where students were not adhering to these values. He also concluded his remarks by highlighting DUT’s tagline Creative, Distinctive, and Impactful. Dr Ngema announced the top lecturers who were Mr Nceba Hoto for Pulp and Paper Technology, Shadana Vallabh for Chemical Engineering and Mr Vishnu Moodley (Laboratory Technician).
Mr Byran Maytham was a guest speaker, a qualified Chemical Engineer with 18 years of industry experience. He shared invaluable wisdom from his illustrious career. “Failure is not an option, but giving up is,” he emphasised. He also spent six years as an Energy Engineer at Sappi and 12 years as an Energy Advisor at Fulfil Energy. Maytham encouraged young engineers and professionals to stay positive and view challenges as chances to learn and improve.
The Chemical Engineering team along with the students at the awards ceremony.
Dr Innocentia Mkhize, Deputy Head of the Chemical Engineering Department, announced the students who achieved Cum Laude and top achievers in the programme. She started with the students who got Cum Laude: Sherise Lallie (Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Chemical Engineering), Wiseman Gcinabazali Malambule (Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology), Shumeshan Shunmugam (Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Chemical Engineering), Slindile Gwala ( Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology), Regionald Mongwe (Master in Engineering), Lungisani Ngcobo (Master in Engineering), and Thobeka Ngobese (Master in Engineering).
She concluded by announcing the top achievers who were Sherise Lallie, Wiseman Gcinabazali Malambule, Regionald Mongwe, and Lungisani Ngcobo.
Sherise Lallie, a Bachelor of Engineering Technology honours student in Chemical Engineering, shared her heartfelt advice with fellow students at the recent Merit Awards ceremony. She also urged students to keep working hard each day as it will help them to achieve their goals.
Wiseman Gcinabazali Malambule, a Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology student, extended his heartfelt gratitude to the DUT community for nurturing his academic and professional growth. “I’m thankful for the knowledge and skills imparted by my lecturers, who not only taught me but also guided me,” he said.
Malambule attributed his success to wise choices, including cultivating meaningful friendships that supported his academic journey. His work-integrated learning experience at Mondi Paper proved pivotal, as it led to a permanent position.
Bongi Zamisa, representing parents at Chemical Engineering Merit Awards, thanked DUT for shaping their children’s futures. “On behalf of the parents, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the DUT community for nurturing and shaping our children’s futures,” she added. She further emphasised the positive impact of DUT’s living values on her own children.
Mrs Thembelihle Lubisi, a lecturer in Chemical Engineering recognised the tireless efforts of individuals who worked behind the scenes to ensure that the event was a success.
Mr G Reddy, a lecturer in the Chemical Engineering Department, took to the stage to express his heartfelt appreciation. He extended his gratitude to the special guest for sharing such insightful words and to the main organiser for her exceptional work.
“These achievements would not have been possible without the collective efforts of my colleagues and I extend my sincerest gratitude to each of you for your dedication to producing high-quality students,” Reddy concluded.
Pictured: Acting Head of Department at Chemical Engineering, Dr Peterson Thokozani Ngema with the top achiever, Gcinabazali Malambule
Photographer: DUT Multimedia.
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
