The Student Services at Durban University of Technology (DUT) is thrilled to host the 2025 Student Services Awards (SSA) on Friday, 03 October 2025, at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC).
The aim of the Student Services Awards is to recognise and honor students who live out DUT’s Living Values through their leadership, service, creativity, and commitment to making a difference. The awards celebrate students who contribute positively to the university community, whether through sport, residence life, societies, entrepreneurship, or promoting diversity and wellbeing.
Housed under the office of Dean of Students, this division brings together various units, including Student Counselling and Health, Financial Aid, Sports Administration, Student Housing and Residence Life, and Student Governance & Development. Together, these units ensure that students are supported holistically, and the awards are a celebration of that combined effort.
The SSA aligns with DUT’s ENVISION2030 living values and principles, recognising students who lead with integrity, honesty, respect, transparency, and accountability. The awards highlight the values that are central to DUT’s vision for the future and reflect the principles of fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion, and excellence.
This year, there are eight award categories, each focusing on a different kind of achievement. These categories include:
- Dean of Students Prestigious Award
- Sportsmanship Award
- Promotion of Healthy Lifestyle Award
- Exemplary Society/Club/Structure Award
- Outstanding Residence Life Award
- Student Entrepreneurship Award
- Emerging Leader Award (First Year Student)
- Diversity and Inclusion Award
DUT’s Senior Financial Aid Counsellor, Mr Keshan Govender stated that while the prizes will be revealed at the event, winners can look forward to exciting rewards.
“The prizes will be revealed at the event, but winners can look forward to exciting rewards. More than that, the biggest honour is being recognised by the university community at one of DUT’s most prestigious events,” said Mr Keshan.
To enter the awards, students could nominate themselves or be nominated by others. Nominations opened on July 13 and closed on July 31, 2025, and were shared on the DUT Pinboard. To qualify, projects or activities had to take place between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Nominees also needed to provide proof of their contributions, making the process transparent and fair.
Pictured: Winners at the 2024 Student Services Awards.
Thubelihle Dumakude
