The Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted a Comrades Marathon luncheon at the DUT Hotel School, Ritson campus. The luncheon themed, ‘Recognising Excellence’ aimed at acknowledging and awarding those that took part at the 2023 Comrades Marathon. The luncheon was facilitated by Mpumelelo Shangase, Sport Administrator from the Sport Administration Unit.
Mr Alan Khan: Senior Director of Corporate Affairs, delivered a welcome address and purpose of setting.
“The comrades marathon is a testimony to human spirit. Today we stand here as remarkable DUT champions, and we embrace the challenges. To the runners, your dedication and passion does not only inspire us, but it also showcases the true essence of sport. You have proven that dreams are attainable through hard work, determination, and discipline.
Introducing the guest speaker, Mr Nkosikhona Mohlakwana was Dr David Mohale who is the Director of Special Projects at the Vice Chancellor’s Office. Dr Mohale, who is also a runner, began off by highlighting Mohlakwana’s greatest achievements. Dr Mohale further delved into Mohlakwana’s amazing journey as a runner for the past few years, acknowledging his dedication to running Comrades marathon.
The DUT Sport Administration Alumna, Nkosikhona Mohlakwana, who is currently a Hollywoodbets runner shared his gratitude for the invitation to the luncheon.
“To all the DUT sport athletics, thank you for your continuous support otherwise we would not be here today. It is always good to get up and fight. When Dr Mohale and Mr Shangase invited me to be the guest speaker a few weeks ago, I was taken back and wondered as to why they chose me. I then realised how lucky I was to be given this opportunity. Today I stand before you as a proud professional runner to share my life journey with you to inspire and hopefully motivate. I always tell myself that the words to come out of my mouth should motivate me first then others. I am also proud to share that I am an educator by profession- I hold a Bachelor of Education degree. Lastly, well done to all the DUT club members for always supporting their clubs’ colours by wearing their colours.
The intimate luncheon proceeded smoothly. The next speaker on the programme was Dr Vuyo Mthethwa: Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations. Dr Mthethwa applauded the runners, those who started and finished and those who could not finish, for their courage to enter the 2023 comrades marathon. She then shared a special thanks to Ms Sushila Moodley and Ms Vasantha Govender for their dedication in coordinating everything behind the scenes.
“I just want to congratulate all the runners; I also want to congratulate the supporters. You were phenomenal. Should you need anything, please come to me I will assist because I know what it takes for you to get here and I appreciate your efforts,” shared Dr Mthethwa.
Mr Mxolisi Msomi, the Senior Director at the Human Capital Services, delivered the closing remarks. Mr Msomi suggested that DUT possess its own clubs soon. He added that DUT should aspire to be one of the big names like Nedbank and Mr Price.
The programme concluded by handing out of gifts to some of the runners by Dr Vuyo Mthethwa, the Institutional Registrar: Dr Maditsane Nkonoane, Director: Human Capital Services, Mr Mxolisi Msomi, and the Director: Technology, Transfer and Innovation, Prof Keolebogile Motaung.
Pictured: Dr Vuyo Mthethwa
Nikiwe Sukazi
