The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Human Capital Services (HCS) Unit welcomed yet another cohort of 150 students for the Presidential Youth Employment Services (PYES) programme. The HCS unit hosted an induction at the Coastlands Hotel The Ridge on 3 May 2023.
This opportunity was purposefully afforded to DUT graduates with an aim to provide them with valuable working experience that will assist them in kickstarting their careers.
Mr Mxolisi Msomi, who is the Acting Senior Director at the HCS unit welcomed everyone in attendance and congratulated the interns for being chosen to be part of the PYES programme. The HCS unit already took in the first batch of interns in March 2023, under the same programme. Mr Msomi informed the interns that they are here to learn, and it is their line mangers’ duty to teach them everything they need to know.
Sharing an overview of the Living Values Framework was the Director of Talent Management and Organisational Development, Mr Avhatakali Nenungwi. Mr Nenungwi unpacked the 10 Living Values and Principles of the DUT ENVISION2030 Strategy.
“The five values are identified as transparency, honesty, integrity, respect and accountability. The five principles espoused are fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion and excellence,” he said. He further explained that the DUT culture says that DUT is a people-centred university, it accommodates everyone regardless of their unique backgrounds.
The next speaker at the event was Ms Thuli Duma, Executive Secretary to the Dean of Students. Ms Duma’s presentation was on what their office focuses on and what it comprises of in terms of what it offers. She strongly encouraged the interns to follow protocol and to be professional at all times.
“It is very important that you communicate politely with students that approach your working spaces. Sometimes all you need to do is to just listen. Your dress code is also important as you are now representing DUT, behave well in and outside of DUT,” advised Ms Duma.
Dr Maditsane Nkonoane: DUT Registrar
As the DUT Autumn Graduation approaches, Ms Noxolo Memela: DUT Communications Unit Manager, urged the interns who will be graduating to make use of the team during graduation, by taking pictures as well as share their stories on their journeys as students. She introduced to them the Communications team and unpacked each member’s impact to the unit. Ms Memela further emphasised on the importance of having a clean social media presence, saying that what they publish on their socials will not only affect them but the university as well.
In addition, Ms Vasantha Govender, Manager for the Marketing, Events, Protocol and Public Relations Unit spoke on DUT as a brand and how it should be honoured and represented. Answering to a question regarding graduation, Ms Govender said: “It is important that graduates honour graduation ceremonies. For now, only four guests are permitted to the venue,” she said.
Dr Maditsane Nkonoane: DUT Registrar, shared a wise closing message, directed to the interns.
“All the presentations that were presented to you today, will play a significant role when you start preparing yourselves for the real world. As much as DUT is our home but it is important that you grow up after graduating-this is your opportunity to grow up. I wish you very well during this six months period that you are here. This is the little we could do to contribute towards your development and exposure. How we conduct ourselves in graduations says a lot about our university,” said Dr Nkonoane.
Pictured: The Attendees
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Nikiwe Sukazi
