In the spirit of excellence, the Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted its first-ever awards function for its non-academic staff at Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel. The aim of the event was to recognise and to celebrate the contributions and achievements of the faculty’s support staff members in their administrative and student support roles.

The Programme Director was FMS Deputy Dean Professor Melanie Lourens. The function was well attended by staff members and distinguished guests including the FMS Executive Dean Professor Fulufhelo Netswera, who delivered the keynote address, and DUT Registrar Dr Maditsane Nkonoane.

Prof Lourens welcomed all attendees and expressed her excitement about recognising the work that has been done by the faculty’s non-academic staff.

“The way that you behave and the way that you engage with students, the passion that you are showing and the patience that you are demonstrating is going to reflect the excellence that you are striving towards,” expressed Prof Lourens.

In his keynote address, Prof Netswera acknowledged the contributions made by the support staff in their various portfolios and stated that without them there wouldn’t be excellent service provision in the faculty and at DUT.

“In whatever you do, you ought to remember that you are DUT, DUT is you and the perception that you foster in the society or community that you engaging with is the face of DUT,” said Prof Netswera.

He reiterated that the staff has a responsibility to project an image of a DUT that cares and embodies the ENVISION2030 Living Values.

“You may falter in many things that you do in your portfolio but try your utmost best to please the client,” He said.

Speaking on his achievements, one of the awardees Sthabiso Makhanya, a Faculty Research Administrative Assistant within the FMS Postgraduate Office conveyed that he was delighted for the recognition and thanked those who contributed to his successes.

“To me, it was more of a reminder that the work behind the scenes will not go unnoticed. Many thanks to the leadership of Prof Fulu Netswera and Prof Mel Lourens, the Postgraduate Team, the Faculty Office, and the FMS Sports Day Committee for being part of this journey,” said Makhanya.

Makhanya was recognised for his involvement in initiating the first-of-its-kind FMS Sports Day Project in the category of the FMS Non-Academic First Project Recognition Award and was applauded alongside his committee For Exemplary Leadership and Management Relating to the FMS Sports Day. He was also rewarded 3rd Place in the FMS Non-Academic Student Support Award: For Exemplary Performance in Student Guidance and Support.

Another awardee Nkosingiphile Mchunu, a Technician in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism was recognised in three categories of the Non-Academic Qualification Recognition Award: For achieving a Master’s degree in 2024, Non-Academic Staff Support Recognition Award: For Outstanding Achievement in Computer Laboratory Administration and Management and Non-Academic Trailblazer of the Year Award: For Exemplary Recognition in Presenting an International Research Paper at the BRICS conference in China.

Mchunu said he is honoured to have won awards in the three categories. Theserds serve as a reminder of what dedication and hard work can accomplish, and they inspire him to contribute even more in the future.

“Winning these awards has been incredibly heartwarming for me, as it signifies that in 2024, I have achieved something meaningful. It reflects my dedication to both my studies and my work within the department as a technician, motivating me to aim even higher in the coming year,” said Mchunu.

Faculty Officer Ms Lindiwe Zwane delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging everyone for attending and expressing her sincere appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the event.

“I would also like to give a word of appreciation to Prof Netswera and Prof Lourens, we appreciate you. You have come to the faculty and shown us that non-academic staff are also important and have a role to play in ensuring that DUT meets its goals and objectives,” said Zwane.

Pictured: Attendees at the awards function.

Thulasizwe Nkomo