Member of Parliament in the National Assembly, the Honourable Brandon Pillay, graduated from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) with a Masters in Public Administration, last week.
Pillay, who was part of the spring graduation, said it was disappointing that due to Covid-19 the graduation had to be held virtually and it robbed him of the opportunity of walking the stage and getting capped.
The Bayview Flats Residents’ Association, where Pillay is the chairperson, issued a statement saying: “We believe that Pillay is truly a tower of inspiration, not only for the residents of Bayview Flats, Bayview and surrounds, and the community of Chatsworth, but a great inspiration to young people far and wide as he continues to break barriers and boundaries and shatters the glass ceiling. He continuously proves that anything is possible, irrespective of your background and where you come from. The BFRA notes with honour Pillay’s hard work, dedication and determination, conviction and commitment to education and we encourage all students to push beyond what they believe they are capable of and to reach the pinnacle of education.”
Pillay, speaking after his graduation, said: “Nelson Mandela famously wrote about never stopping, always wanting, needing to climb one more mountain. In my journey to finish my Masters degree I often drew on this for inspiration for the road I have travelled is an unusual one. I never went to university full-time but had to go through the Workers’ College while working full-time, defending and advancing the rights of my community and seeing to family matters. But once I was in a university environment I knew that this is a world that would open new ways of looking at the world. And so, I moved through the gears as they would say, digging deep to pass the undergraduate years and then facing the daunting task of an MA. I was determined in the MA to produce research that would enable me to think through the vexed question of service delivery. There were times when I wanted to stop climbing as the path ahead was full of obstacles. Once more I drew on Mandela’s words but also had the support of my comrades, family and most importantly my community.”
He added that he hoped his journey will inspire others. “I have not stopped climbing. Already plans are afoot to embark on my PhD. As I reflect I cannot believe it. I know my parents in the heavens above will be smiling upon me. I know that Professor Fatima Meer would be immensely proud. The challenge of course is to turn our experience and knowledge to the benefit of our communities. To be brave, to have the courage to stand up, to be able to learn, to debate but not to impose. Above all, always remember to humble yourself before God and the people you serve,” he said.
Pillay has numerous accolades and awards under his belt, including an honorary doctorate in humanitarianism from the Global International Alliance (GIA) Programme in the USA.
