Excelling is in Sayed Rahiman’s genes as it was his third time obtaining the Dean’s Merit Award for his sterling academic excellence.
He received the Dean’s Merit Awards for his Diploma (2011) and BTech qualification in Chemical Engineering (2013). Rahiman’s academic excellence personifies hard work and dedication. Having to work a full-time job, being a husband and a father of two kids, but still managing to excel in his academics, is a milestone.
Rahiman (34) popularly known as ‘Sayed’ and hailing from Phoenix, obtained his Master’s in Chemical Engineering with the Dean’s Merit Award at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2024 Spring Graduation Ceremony, at the Durban Exhibition Centre on Thursday, 19 September 2024.
The Phoenix-born shared how excited he was for his Dean’s Merit Award achievement and appreciated the support from his family, and supervisors throughout his studies.
“I would like to firstly thank the Creator for providing me with the gift of life and the resources to persevere through the many challenges that I faced. Furthermore, I would like to thank my family, my supervisors (Prof Rathilal and Steve Davis), and team SMRI,’’ said Rahiman.
His journey started in 2008 at DUT and since then he has never looked back. Rahiman also appreciated the DUT community for their support throughout his career.
“I was afforded the opportunity to study under brilliant lecturers such as Prof Rathilal, Prof Pillay, Ms Vallabh, Mr Pillay, Prof Ramsaroop and many others,’’ said Rahiman.
Despite his academic excellence, Rahiman overcame many challenges including juggling between work, family, studies, the birth of his son during COVID-19, the lack of funding to continue with his project, and horrific unrest.
“Gracefully my supervisor, Prof Rathilal, was very patient and guided me throughout the journey. The guidance included a good understanding with my family about the implications of doing the Master’s degree and secondly, I had to be religious about dedicating a set amount of time to write up the dissertation,’’ said Rahiman.
Rahiman who is a senior research assistant in the SMRI’s Technology Development research group. His research title was: Assessment of a sugar refinery pilot Crystal Seed production system. He indicated that his study aimed to enhance the crystallisation process through technology development. Specifically, the development of a robust continuous crystal seed production system, which can overcome the shortcomings of existing crystal seed production practices and enable continuous crystallisation operation in sugar factories.
He highlighted respect as one of DUT ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles that has been part of his life and success. He believes that one needs to respect one’s elders enough to listen to their pearls of wisdom, and one needs to respect the young generation to acknowledge that they need to be groomed for the future.
“Respecting others means being honest, being transparent, and demonstrating integrity and accountability in what you do,’’ added Rahiman.
Pictured: Top achiever, Sayed Rahiman after obtaining his Master’s in Chemical Engineering degree.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.
Vukani Langa
