The Faculty of Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted its Executive Townhall Meeting with the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu to engage with the staff on DUT’s framework, engagement, academic blueprint, teaching and learning while reflecting on ENVISION2030 strategy.
The meeting was hosted on Friday, 30 May 2025 at Canegrowers, ML Sultan campus.
This engagement was part of several meetings that Professor Mthembu had with all the university’s faculties. He was accompanied by Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Professor Mashupye Kgaphola, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research Innovation and Engagement, Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola.
In his opening remarks Professor Mthembu emphasized the importance of accountability amongst DUT staff. He also underlined that to transform the universities core business, the institution must focus on innovation, curriculum and research.
Additionally, he highlighted the principles and the 4Ps Framework which are Plans, People, Product and Pennies, that each faculty must encompass and adhere to transform academia blueprint. He also urged faculties to share valuable data that will contribute to driving the academic progress.
“The blueprint that we need to produce together with your contributions, is about using the 4P’s Framework. This means that the faculties and departments must tell us what their plans into the future are. It could be plans around how you will imbed the philosophy of education or how you can grow your own timber,’’ he added.
Moreover, he advised that at this stage, where academic project is the priority, money must not be seen as the obstacle. “If you see money as a hurdle, you will never dream,’’ added Prof Mthembu.
Professor Gugu Mchunu, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
The Executive Dean in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Gugu Mchunu extended her gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Mthembu for affording the platform to engage and share their views. She highlighted this engagement as the momentous occasion for the faculty.
“Professor Mthembu, thank you for your leadership and engagement, it felt more special and refreshing. In a language of health sciences, you came in and resuscitated us. The field of health sciences is vast and constantly changing, it encompasses diverse disciplines. We are sometimes overwhelmed by these challenges which affects our core business, that is teaching and research. However, we are grateful to the university for their massive support and opportunities that challenge us be innovative,’’ she expressed.
Professor Mchunu also thanked the Deputy Dean, the HODs, administration and academic staff for their unwavering support and advancing the goals of the faculty.
Pictured: DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu during the Faculty of Health Sciences’ Executive Town Hall meeting.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.
Vukani Langa
