The International Education and Partnerships (IEP) Directorate at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted an event with the honourable Ela Gandhi, to commemorate the Woman’s Day and the International Nelson Mandela Day on Thursday, 15 August 2024.

The event was organised and directed by Philile Nomalungelo Mbamali and theme of the day was: Mandela’s legacy and Women’s Leadership: Shaping a United South Africa in a New Political Era.

The Director of IEP at DUT and President of the International Education Association of South Africa, Dr Lavern Samuels greeted and welcomed all the guests. He shared the importance of celebrating Mandela Day as the International office to keep alive the work of Nelson Mandela in his quest for a better South Africa.

“We are honoured to have the presence of Ela Gandhi on this celebration since she has worked with Mandela and was a woman leader herself. When we celebrate an event like this, it is because of our ongoing commitment,” he said.

The keynote speaker, was the honourable Ela Gandhi who is the granddaughter of the well-known Mahatma Gandhi, touched on the evolution of women and how hard they have worked to be where they are. She shared how she has worked with pioneer women back in the days, fighting for equality and against apartheid. She further added the importance of unity and solidarity in achieving peace and unity.

“We need to unite people against barriers such as discrimination of gender and race because if we do not, we will remain divided and weak. If we have solidarity with each other society will be different,” shared Ela Gandhi.

Dr Benita Bobo from the Centre for General Education shared that she did not realise the impact that women make in societies and how their stories remain untold. She then opened the floor for questions and comments from the attendees. Sentiments were exchanged by the attendees in finding ways to improve society.

In closing, the IEP Manager, Mrs Divinia Jithoo, thanked all the guests in person and online for joining the celebration and engaging. She further thanked all the sponsors and Ela Gandhi for her insights.

“You are an inspiration to us all, your support for our university, and particularly our internationalisation endeavours. I hope that our international student organisation present will take these lessons forward. I would like to thank you once again for your presence and contribution to the event,” she concluded.

Pictured: Ela Gandhi with the IEP Director, Dr Lavern Samuels and International students, DUT staff and guests.

Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese

Patience Makhaye