By: Tony Manyangadze and Raymond Padya

“You are an elite that the nation depends on”.

These were the reminding and yet encouraging words of Professor Ahmed Bawa to hundreds of graduates who gathered at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) for the institution’s Spring Graduation Tuesday.

According to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, only 18 per-cent of South African youths graduate at tertiary institutions. As such, he congratulated the soon-to-be graduates wishing them all the best and that they will make a difference in the world.

Also present to give words of encouragement to the graduates was Brett Powell, Operations Designer for Chillisoft Solutions Services.

The acclaimed software guru spoke greatly on the issue of mind controlling. His vast academic achievements and life in general has taught him a priceless lesson he shared with the graduates.

“What we are trying to do is to create a place where we want to work, a reality that we want to be in and this ability to train our minds to do that, for me is one of the most phenomenal discoveries,” he said.

Brett Powell, Operations Designer for Chillisoft Solutions Services who was the Guest Speaker at the ceremony addressing graduates. Pictures by: Tony Manyangadze

“It took me 23-years to figure this out so I am hoping that by talking to you guys about it, maybe some of you will realise the power of your minds much earlier than I did,” added Powell.

Equipped with a qualification and alluring words of advice, the graduates could not hide their excitement.

“It’s my first time graduating, I feel amazing. It was a nice experience now I am planning to further my education,” said Nontobezi Sibiya, who graduated with a National Diploma in Accounting.

Nkosinathi Wanda, who had just received his National Diploma in Journalism, also shared the similar jovial mood.

“I am very excited; I am ecstatic to have graduated today. It’s a dream come true. It has been a pleasure to study here at DUT. I have learnt a lot and I am optimistic that I will be able to face the world with what I have learnt,” said Wanda, with batted breath.

This spring graduation ceremony marked the end of this year’s graduations at the Durban University of Technology. April 2014 will reignite this magical moment yet again.