Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Professor Thandwa Mthembu, encouraged young people to be innovative in order to drive substantial economic growth. He was speaking at the World of Work (WOW) Dinner yesterday, 15 August 2018 at the Ritson Exam Hall, Ritson Campus.
“At DUT we are focused on producing graduates that will not only be employable, but who are also going to become wealth and employment creators,” said Prof Mthembu.
Prof Mthembu also extended sincere appreciation to all companies and entities that are participating in the WOW Careers Fair. “I would like to thank all the participants in this event (WOW Careers Fair) because it is through such partnerships with government, industries and other organisations that we can be able to create opportunities for young people and drive meaningful economic growth,” he said.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement, Professor Sibusiso Moyo warned students not to fall into the trap of thinking that the attainment of degrees means they know everything, but instead they should seek experiential training in order to be fully equipped for the industry.
Prof Moyo also highlighted that this event (WOW Careers Fair) is not just another event for DUT, but it is about ensuring that DUT is able to secure placements for students in the industry, and for the industry to get much needed human resources from students that are produced by DUT.
“We would like to request that our students should also be paid reasonably when they are interns, and they should be treated as valuable resources by companies in order for them to be equally motivated, and contribute meaningfully,” said Prof Moyo.
She said synergies between the industry and the University are important in order to produce good graduates. “I think it is important for our academic staff to be exposed to the industry, and also to invite industry experts to share their expertise with our students. This will assist us to produce well equipped graduates,” added Prof Moyo.
Also speaking during the Dinner, the Human Capital and Skills Development Executive, Melanie Mulholland from Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA), thanked DUT for hosting the WOW Careers Fair, citing that it is a ground-breaking and much needed platform for the industry to access skills.
Director, Co-operative Education, Shakeel Ori thanked each and every one of the 400 guests who attended the Dinner, as well as the industry and government stakeholders for participating in the WOW Careers Fair. “This is the biggest University hosted Careers Fair in South Africa, and the reason why you are here is because we place value in relationships,” said Ori.
Ori also extended his gratitude to the Chairperson of the DUT Council, Mr Wiseman Madinane, DUT Management and staff for supporting this event.
The WOW Dinner was part of the two-day WOW Careers Fair, which started on Wednesday, 15 August and concludes today, 16 August 2018.
Pictured: Professor Thandwa Mthembu, Vice-Chancellor and Principal at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) speaking at the World of Work (WOW) Dinner.
Nduduzo Ndlovu
