The Online Distance Learning (ODL) office was established to co-ordinate and facilitate all activities related to the University’s vision of positioning itself as a leading provider of high-quality distance education using the fast-evolving medium of eLearning. This vision fits into the mandate given to universities by the South African government to provide fair, inclusive and equitable access to higher education and skills development for all qualifying individuals. The ODL office collaborates with different stakeholders within the University and within the private sector to drive the implementation of Online Distance Learning at the University.

 

About

The ODL office is tasked with the roll out of high-demand, non-residential full programmes and skills programmes that are delivered 100% online.  Reporting to the Deputy Vice Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, the office collaborates with academic and support units within DUT, and external partners to position our institution as a leader in technology-driven distance education.

Our mission aligns with the DUT’s ENVISION2030 goals and the South African Department of Higher Education and Training’s commitment to inclusive, equitable access to higher education—ensuring that distance, traditional classroom scheduling or personal circumstances never stand between qualified individuals and their academic goals.

What We Do

  • Offer, in partnership with DUT academic units, fully online degree programmes and short learning programmes
  • Coordinate online distance education initiatives across the university, including private partner programmes
  • Partner with employers and industry stakeholders to identify, design and develop skills programmes that respond to industry needs
  • Partner with departments in rolling out programmes from concept to completion—covering programme design, market research, digital marketing, student recruitment, and multimedia production
  • Provide comprehensive support to departments and partnering entities through the DUT – integrated learning platform, training and development, and ongoing implementation assistance
  • Deliver end-to-end solutions for resource planning, course development, and learner engagement in online distance education.

Enquiries

Study enquiries: OnlineDEnquiries@dut.ac.za

General enquiries: NonhlanhlaN9@dut.ac.za

Academic collaboration: LuckyK1@dut.ac.za

Industry / Employer partnerships: MongeziM1@dut.ac.za

ODL Team

Executive Project Coordinator: Dr Olugbenga (Benga) Aderibigbe
Tel: 031 373 2355
Email: OlugbengaA@dut.ac.za
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Bio: Dr Olugbenga (Benga) Aderibigbe leads the implementation of the Online Distance Learning (ODL) initiative at the Durban University of Technology. Prior to joining DUT, Dr Aderibigbe held positions in diverse fields within the public higher education sector spanning lecturing, research and online learning, and at operations executive level within the private sector. Dr Aderibigbe brings to the position a robust academic background including a PhD in Higher Education Studies, M Com Economics, B Com (Hons) Economics, B Sc (Hons) Business Administration and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). He also holds additional qualifications and short course certificates in Training Practices, Assessment Practices, Assessment Moderation, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Distance and Online Learning, Open Educational Resources (OER), and Senior Management Service (SMS) cadre from reputable local and international institutions including Athabasca University in Canada, Commonwealth of Learning, Canada and National School of Government (DPSA). Dr Aderibigbe is registered with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) as a professional educator. His research interests include Work Integrated Learning (WIL), Adult education, Open and Distance Learning (ODL), eLearning and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
ODL Office Administrator: Nonhlanhla Ngcobo
Tel: 031 373 2355
Email: NonhlanhlaN9@dut.ac.za
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Bio: Mrs Nonhlanhla Ngcobo is the ODL Administrator. She is a seasoned Office Manager with a strong background in administrative management, front-office management and executive personal assistant management support. Nonhlanhla holds a Diploma in Management Assistant and certificates in Advanced End User Computing, among others. She has over 16 years of experience in front-office management, HR Administration, developing expertise in employee relations and benefits. Additionally, she has experience in financial administration, where she has honed her skills in financial record-keeping and reposting.
ODL Instructional Design Intern: Nosipho Kheswa
Email: nosiphok2@dut.ac.za
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Bio: Nosipho Kheswa is a vibrant and passionate educator who graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand. Kheswa is deeply passionate about teaching, learning, and creating meaningful connections. Her journey began in the classroom as a student teacher at A.B. Xuma Primary School, Northcliff Primary School, and Arthur Matthews Primary School in Gauteng province. Known for her curiosity, she recently transitioned into the world of Instructional Design as an intern at the Durban University of Technology. In this role, she harnesses creative approaches to support quality learning experience through technologies. Every day, she grows the ability to design impactful content that empowers both educators and learners.She lives by the motto: “Never stop learning—the sky is the limit!” This belief fuels her drive to continuously develop her skills, embrace new challenges, and contribute meaningfully to the future of education.
Learning Technology Analyst: Siyabonga Brian Ntombela
Email: siyabongan14@dut.ac.za
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Bio: Siyabonga Brian Ntombela is a Learning Technology Analyst with a background in software development and UI/UX design. He holds a BCom degree in Information Systems & Technology and Marketing, as well as a BCom Honours degree in Information Systems & Technology, from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. His Honours research focused on “Digital Transformation Challenges in South Africa’s Rural Areas,” which he presented at the UKZN Research Day, where he received a certificate of participation. His professional journey began in full-stack and CMS development, where he gained hands-on experience designing, developing responsive, user-friendly large-scale websites within a higher education environment. He is currently focused on enhancing accessibility and engaging online learning through the development and support of Multimedia, LMS and CMS platforms to cater for students’ learning regardless of their location.
Instructional Design Intern: Luyanda Makhathini
Email: luyandam8@dut.ac.za
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Bio: Luyanda Makhathini holds a Bachelor of Education degree in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training, majoring in Accounting and Economics, from the Durban University of Technology. Passionate about curriculum development and digital learning, Luyanda recently joined the ODL team as an Instructional Design Intern. With a keen interest in the utilization of educational technologies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes, he is committed to contributing to innovative, learner-centred course design and development.
IT Systems Analyst: Neliswa Mpanza
Email: neliswam2@dut.ac.za
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Bio: Neliswa Mpanza is a Full Stack Software Engineer and a DUT Alumna in ICT. She is a motivated and adaptable developer with hands-on experience in Java, Angular, Spring Boot, PostgreSQL, Postman, and RESTful API development. Neliswa began her career at LTIMindtree as a Full Stack Software Engineer Intern, contributing to core banking software solutions and soon joined Absa Group as a Junior Software Engineer.Her passion for systems analysis drives her ability to design, evaluate, and enhance software that solves real-world needs. With a strong foundation in software testing and quality assurance, she thrives in collaborative environments focused on clean, maintainable code. Neliswa is committed to advancing the ODL project by creating seamless, technology driven interactions between students and facilitators.
Academic Programme Coordinator: Lucky Kumalo
Email: luckyk1@dut.ac.za
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Bio: Lucky Kumalo is the Academic Programme Coordinator for the Online Distance Learning Office. He holds a Master of Education and Honours in Bachelor of Education, both in curriculum studies, as well as a Bachelor of Education, all from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
He has held various positions in the Academic Monitoring and Support (AMS) programme in the College of Humanities at UKZN over the last five years. His most recent role was Academic Development Officer (ADO) before becoming the Academic Programme Coordinator in the ODL office.
Instructional Designer: Kholofelo Mohlaka
Email: kholofelom@dut.ac.za
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Bio: Kholofelo Mohlaka is a teacher by profession, holding a Bachelor of Education (Senior Phase & Further Education and Training) and a B.Ed. Honours in STEM with a focus on Technology from the University of Johannesburg. She is currently pursuing a master’s in education in STEM, researching how students accept and use new learning management systems (LMS) in South African universities.Kholofelo’s previous roles include working as an instructional designer, educational technologist, and learning experience designer in various institutions. She is passionate about enhancing learning experiences and helping students learn effectively and meaningfully.
Coordinator: Integrated Student Recruitment Marketing: Mongezi Mhlongo
Email: MongeziM1@dut.ac.za
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Bio: Mongezi Mhlongo is a marketing and communications professional. A DUT alumnus, He holds an MPhil degree in HIV and AIDS Management, a Post Graduate Diploma in HIV and AIDS Management, a BCom Honours in Marketing Management, a BTech Degree in Journalism, and a National Diploma in Journalism.Mongezi began his career within civil society, soon thereafter worked in local government, diplomacy and then academia. He is passionate about social media which he believes can be a valuable tool in education, fostering collaboration and resource sharing among students and educators.

 

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