Durban University of Technology alumnus, Mbali Gcabashe, has applauded the University for being a University that offers opportunities to students from all works of life.
Gcabashe, a graduate of the Public Relations Management department was addressing other DUT alumni, DUT staff and guests during the 2017 Development and Alumni Relations Women’s month fundraising gala dinner held on Friday, 25 August 2017, at the Square Boutique Hotel in uMhlanga.
The Development and Alumni Relations Women’s month fundraising gala dinner forms part of the many initiatives by the office (Development and Alumni Relations) to raise funds towards eradicating students financial struggles. Proceeds of the fundraising gala dinner went to the “One meal once a day” and the bursary fund.
Sharing her experiences as a student from the time, she first arrived in Durban with just R1500, Gcabashe said DUT was the only University that understood her plight and offered her space to study. “My life began when I arrived at DUT with just R1500 from a family of six raised by a single parent. Although I didn’t have any accommodation I had to squat at my friend’s house, I was grateful for the opportunity to work towards a better life and study,” she said.
Gcabashe also encouraged everyone to contribute the little they had in order to improve the lives of many more students who are given a chance by DUT to study. Although, she was raised by a single parent, Gcabashe cannot forget the village that raised her and everyone that contributed to her journey.
“It takes a village to raise a child and this was the case with me. We are all capable of helping those students. I have been speaking to my friends and everyone who is a graduate of DUT, to assist. We must stop thinking but stand up and do something,” added Gcabashe.
In his vote of thanks, Development and Alumni Relations Acting Director, Zwakele Ngubane acknowledged the need to do more in reaching out to DUT alumnus and to fundraise so that more students can benefit.
“There is still a lot of work to be done, but we must also note that there has been progress in the number of people who are coming forward to donate, however people are urged to contribute to all the fundraising projects that are within the office,” said Ngubane.
When donating you have a choice between the bursary fund (alumni bursary) and food security programme (“One meal once a day”). More details on how to donate and activities within the Development and Alumni Relations office, go to: http://www.dutalumni.com or like their facebook page: DUT Alumni.
Pictured: Mbali Gcabashe (DUT Alumnus and guest-speaker) with Zipho Chamane (Development and Alumni Relations Systems and Database Officer), at the fundraising gala dinner.
Nomfundo Ngcobo and Noxolo Memela
