More than 150 schools visited the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Open Week 2018 at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, Steve Biko Campus last week.

During the Open Week, 8901 pupils attended the event, and most of them said that the DUT staff at the exhibition stalls for various programmes, were extremely helpful. For some pupils, they were the first in their family to have an opportunity to further their studies at University level. The aim of the Open Week was to provide information and guidance about different programmes offered by DUT and how they can apply for them.
Many students were enticed by the Tourism Management stall to enquire more information about the programme.

DUT Tourism Management second-year-student, Muzomuhle Mjoli who was assisting pupils at the stall said: “Our stand is full of eager pupils wanting to find out more on the course because the tourism industry is deemed to be the best industry right to get into right now. Our course offers a variety of job opportunities. Tourism doesn’t destroy the environment but builds it, it promotes the country, the provinces and even the unpopular places to people who are living in South Africa and abroad.”

Grade 10 and 11 pupils, Sphelele Ncanana and Amahle Mzobe from Mvaba High School said they planned to study Tourism because they would love to travel and see the world.
“I would love to do tourism because you get to travel all around the world and learn new, different things from other people, other cultures and religions,” said Mzobe.

The Drama Studies stall seemed to be another favourite for pupils. DUT third-year Drama student, Nomathemba Mtshali said many parents were misinformed about drama and believed their children would not find employment in that field. “Many predominantly black schools don’t teach drama so when they enquire about drama, they discover that there is so much more to drama than just acting. Popular actors like Isibaya’s Sdumo Mtshali, Sphelele Mzimela and Uzalo’s Jabu Dlamini and Makorobha Alfred Majola are some of the alumnis produced by DUT’s Drama department.

Aspiring actor and comedian, Nkoskhona Vundla from Esizibeni Secondary Schools said that he is coming back to DUT to study drama because he wants to learn more, and perhaps pursue an acting role on television.

All in all, the annual DUT Open Week was a great success and the number of visiting schools continues to grow in leaps and bounds.

Pictured: Many pupils who came to the final day of DUT Open Week.

Tina Shabalala