Six Durban University of Technology students from Department of Maritime Studies has been accepted for the Summer School at the prestigious Shanghai Maritime University in China from 19 June to 14 July 2017.

Nicole Chetty, Lulama Zono, Siphumelele Cicaba, Thabiso Simamane, Nhlanganiso Phoswa and Tameeka Fisher were selected for the programme based on their academic performance for the year 2017. They left South Africa on Thursday 15 June to return on Sunday 16 July and this will now increase the number of DUT Maritime Studies students who have visited China on a similar programme to 19 since 2015.

Nkosinathi Manqele, Maritime Studies Lecturer, said the opportunity results from a partnership between SMU and DUT based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2015. He said the study opportunity includes Mandarin classes, classes on Chinese culture/history and Chinese Maritime practices.

“The students will also be taken on excursions where they will visit the busiest port in the world, Shanghai Port. They will also visit other places in China such as Hangzou and Lin’an,” said Manqele.
Prof Suren Singh, Faculty of Applied Sciences Executive Dean, congratulated the students on their selection and urged them to use this experience wisely. He said this was an opportunity that many University students will never get and so the six that were selected must not let it go to waste.

“This trip is a career booster so make the most of it. Take advantage of the infrastructure you will be exposed to at SMU. Engage with other students you will meet who are different from yourself and build as many networks as you can. This is the beginning of your career,” said Prof Singh.

The students are very excited about this trip and are looking forward to representing the DUT flag in China.

Pictured: Excited DUT students who are off to China, with Exec Dean Prof Singh and lecturer Michael Manqele.

Bongani Gema