The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Student Governance and Development unit, recently hosted the Students as Champions of the DUT Living Values Awards ceremony. This event honoured students who participated in an inspiring essay-writing competition. The ceremony took place on Wednesday, 23 October 2024, at the Coastlands Hotel Musgrave.

The concept of “Students as Champions of the DUT Living Values” focuses on empowering students at DUT to actively embrace, advocate for, and lead initiatives that reflect the university’s core values. This effort aimed to foster a culture that embodies and promotes DUT’s living values among the student body.

After a warm welcome to everyone in attendance, the Dean of Students; Dr Clement Moreku, briefly underlined the purpose of the living values. He described the living values as a way to shape lives and character and serve as the foundation that holds the DUT community together.

‘’We need to internalise these values for us to live and champion them. People with character are respectful, honest, transparent, accountable and they have integrity. Champions are advocates and, in this context, they champion the DUT living values. Therefore, everyone who participated in this competition is a champion because they have resolved to made it a point that our values are always championed,’’ said Dr Moreku.

Student Governance and Development Manager, Mr Masiza Ngculu, briefly detailed the purpose of the event. “It was a celebration of who we are and what we are becoming at DUT. We gathered to celebrate those students who had defined what it meant to be part of DUT through writing the essay. They have left a legacy and an imprint,’’ explained Ngculu.

Lindiswa Zondo, a third-year Bachelor of Health Sciences in Radiography student claimed the first position, she was awarded with a R3 000 cheque and award while Sanele Muteshane secured second position followed by Khwezi Nqubuka in position three, they both received awards.  All the 57 participants were awarded with certificates.

Zondo said she was surprised that she won. However, she believes that winning this competition serves as a confidence booster and further encouraged her peers to partake on such initiatives for self-development. “I am grateful to student governance and development for declaring my essay the best among many,’’ said Zondo.

Institutional Registrar at DUT, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane in his keynote speech, acknowledged the current Student Representative Council (SRC) leadership’s role in leading the students as well as for ensuring stability and order in the institution.  He further highlighted the importance of the event as it celebrated the embodiment of university values, students’ commitment to excellence, resilience, transparency, honesty and respect which has made a profound impact in the institution.

“We gathered to celebrate the embodiment of our university values. Our students are indeed the embodiment of our university values. As champions of DUT living values, they have demonstrated respect for diversity, inclusivity and social justice, integrity in academic pursuits and personal conduct as well as innovation through creative solutions and entrepreneurial spirit excellence in academic achievements and extracurricular activities,’’ said Dr Nkonoane.

He also gave credit to former SRC members for their continuous support on Student Services events, initiatives, contributing ideas and fostering a culture of empathy as well as promoting environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

SRC President, Mr Solomzi Zoleka shared the importance of being guided by DUT Living Values and Principles in achieving the institutions mandate and objectives.

“As the SRC we recognise our role as the voice of students, and we align ourselves with institutionally adopted living values and principles. It is important for everyone including stakeholders to live by these values to guide the DUT community in achieving the institution’s goals. I would like to reaffirm our commitment to fostering a culture of respect integrity excellence and accountability in serving our students,’’ said Zoleka.

The Director: Organisational Development and Talent Management, Mr Avhatakali Nenungwi said that it was known at DUT that one of the most common and important things in the Living Values Framework was living and championing them. He further stated that the Living Values Framework has a history, and its history belongs to the people of DUT both students and staff equally.

“The people that we celebrated have given a face to these words. They have given life to these values and principles. They have shown all of us through demonstratable behavior that these values and principles are not just for the T-shirt and to be spoken, but these colleagues of ours did it in style and dignity, in an artistic way,’’ said Nenungwi.

Dr Nonhlanhla Khumalo from the DUT Writing Centre who worked closely with the Student Governance and Development unit in the moderation of the essays, applauded the students for their writing skills and Student Services for creating such platforms for students.

Student Development Officer at DUT, Ms Thokozani Sibiya extended her gratitude to all the stakeholders, students, SRC and everyone who contributed to the success of the event.

“All the guest that accepted our call we are grateful, management and leadership thank you for honouring this event. Students well done all the essays that you wrote were so inspirational. Some of these essays need to be shared to inspire others,’’ said Sibiya.

Pictured: From (Left to Right) Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku, Institutional Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane, the winner, Lindiswa Zondo and Student Governance and Development Manager, Mr Masiza Ngculu at the event.

Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese

Vukani Langa