The Durban University of Technology’ Research office held a two-day research interaction and idea sharing engagement session at the Durban University of Technology recently.

The DUT’s Postgraduate Association and the University of the Free State met to share and improve services provided by the Postgraduate Association.

The purpose of the interaction session was to compare the postgraduate structures within the two universities, as well as to identify issues to improve innovation, dynamics of the universities and central matters.
Mpoi Makhetha, UFS Postgraduate Association president, said some of the issues facing the UFS are racism, and that the University was not catering enough for students with disabilities. However, it was established that the UFS does offer student accommodation that caters to students with disabilities and each room is equipped according to the individual needs of the students. It was also found that UFS does community service that also focuses on undergraduates

“As the UFS Postgraduate Association, we work towards making campus better and inclusive of everyone. We make sure students have the best experience while they are here and that they learn more than just their books,” he said.
DUT Postgraduate Association President, Kunle Oparinde, said DUT has not had any cases of racism. “Some of the DUT campuses cater for physically disabled students by providing elevators, escalators and wheelchair ramps. DUT is also situated in a central area that makes many of the facilities available to the students at close range. The importance of having these engagement sessions will also help DUT’s strategic plan for the year so that we can find ways to accommodate the calibre of students we have for the year,” he added.

Going forward, a benchmarking session will be held between DUT and the Wits University in September 2017.

Pictured: DUT’s Post-Graduate Association President, Kunle Oparinde with UFS Postgraduate Association President, Mpoi Maketha, at the event.

Sthabile Gwala