The Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted the prestigious CELT 2024 Recognition Awards at the Coastlands Conference Centre in Musgrave.
Attended by esteemed guests, staff, and students, the CELT 2024 Recognition Awards served as a testament to DUT’s commitment to excellence in learning and teaching. It also inspired both staff and students to strive for innovation, creativity and excellence in their respective fields. The awards honoured staff members and students who have made significant contributions to learning and teaching at the DUT through scholarly research and innovative learning, and teaching.
In her welcome address, CELT Acting Director, Dr Shoba Rathilal, emphasised the importance of academic development at the DUT, highlighting CELT’s role in supporting student, curriculum, staff, and institutional development.
“I would like to extend the warm welcome to all of you. Today we are celebrating creativity, innovation and excellence in learning and teaching. Our philosophy of education is, “our creativity & innovation, shapes adaptive graduates who transform society. This philosophy is more than just words but challenges us to lead innovation. It is through the effort of our executive management; faculty support structures and CELT that this philosophy has turned into a reality. Please enjoy this function and network with others,” said Dr Shoba.
Professor Mashupye Kgaphola, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC): Teaching and Learning at DUT delivered the keynote address, congratulating the awardees for their exceptional dedication.
“Gathered here, we have come to celebrate and to remind one another why it all matters. This is an opportunity to reflect on our journey by sharing the good work done by the institution. At the moment, we are the custodians of our students future, so that when the future comes, they will know what to do. I would also like to congratulate all those that will be receiving awards and also all those that are co-creators of these ideas,” said Prof Kgaphola.
Financial Accounting Lecturer, Ms Nokwanda Mgilane, was overwhelmed with gratitude as she received the prestigious Recognition Award for Excellence in Innovative Learning and Teaching, acknowledging her outstanding contributions to education.
“ I am truly honoured to receive the Recognition Award of Excellence for my milestone achievement in Innovative Learning and Teaching. This recognition inspires me to continue developing and implementing innovative teaching methods that enhance student success. I remain committed to fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment that empowers students to excel,” said Ms Mgilane.
Dr Rosaline Govender, Academic Developer at CELT concluded the event by thanking all attendees for their support and congratulating the award recipients for their outstanding contribution to learning and teaching at the DUT.
Pictured : CELT staff with award recipients at the 2024 Recognition Awards
Thubelihle Dumakude
