The Student Governance and Development Unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted a Vice-Chancellor & Principal’s Engagement with Student Leaders & Networking Dinner. The special engagement dinner was held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Umhlanga Arch on Tuesday, 25 April 2023.
The inaugural event was directed by Student Governance and Development Manager: Mr Masiza Ngculu, He expressed his gratitude for the event and extended his appreciation to the attendees for availing themselves for this event where student leaders engaged with the DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu.
DUT’s Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku delivered his welcoming remarks. He urged all student leaders to engage and share ideas on how they are planning to take DUT forward. Dr Moreku applauded the Student Representative Council (SRC) for their effort and the important role that they play in Student Parliament, ensuring that the academic agenda is being pursued without any disruptions.
Director: Special Projects in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Matheakuena Mohale gave his insight into the purpose of the event and gave a message of support. Dr Mohale echoed Dr Moreki’s sentiments by acknowledging the hard work that the SRC has done since their term of office and he urged the student leaders to use this platform to engage and absorb information.
DUT’s SRC President and Speaker of DUT Student Parliament, Mr Sanele Khumalo shared his gratitude to have such a platform, he thanked Student Governance and Development for planning and coordinating the inaugural engagement dinner and Prof Mthembu for making an effort to attend the event. Mr Khumalo recalled that two weeks after he was elected as the SRC President that he sent in a request to have a meet & greet with the VC and the executive management, however the attempt failed. He further acknowledged the DUT Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane for always being there for them as the SRC when they need guidance.
Mr Khumalo shared that as the SRC and the executive management they need to have more of these sessions to share knowledge and ideas on what steps need to be taken to move DUT forward and how they can assist as the student leaders to ensure that by 2030 DUT is the leading university not only in Kwazulu-Natal but globally. Furthermore, Mr Khumalo pleaded with the Dean of Students to assist in approving the institutional constitution.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Thandwa Mthembu
Addressing the student leaders, Prof Thandwa Mthembu urged them to be more focused and courageous. Prof Mthembu added that the SRC should not follow the trend of corruption that is happening at other universities. Prof Mthembu challenged the student leaders to not come up with short term solutions, saying strategic approach is what is needed.
He further shared that he was inspired by the SRC Secretary-General, Mr Ntokozo Gcabashe’s speech that he delivered at Student Legotla on the 5th of March 2023. Prof Mthembu gave student leaders food for thought and he encouraged them not to be weakened. He further allowed the student leaders to comment and share their views on the current issues that affect South Africa and students.
Concluding his presentation, Prof Mthembu shared that as the institution they have programmes that assist students who want to be better leaders, the programme trains and teaches students on how to be great leaders.
Dr Maditsane Nkonoane, DUT Registrar applauded all the speakers and acknowledged Prof Mthembu’s presentation. He hopes a similar event will be held soon.
Pictured: Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu and Registrar Dr Maditsane Nkonoane with members of the SRC
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Lethukuthula Ngubane
