The Durban University of Technology (DUT) successfully launched one of Africa’s most advanced Smart Robotics Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility developed in strategic partnership with the Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI), and the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA).
The historical launch took place at DUT’s Ritson Campus on Tuesday, 24 June 2025. Hosting the event during Youth Month highlighted the lab’s transformative potential to empower young South Africans for leadership in the digital economy. Students are set to gain hands on experience using equipment identical to that found in leading global manufacturing facilities, ensuring their skills match international standards and workplace demands.
Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, DUT’s Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement emphasised the importance of embracing the 4th Industrial Revolution to stay relevant. He highlighted the DUT Smart Lab Project as a key initiative driving youth innovation and technology, equipping students with cutting-edge skills to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Pictured: Dignitaries at the Smart Robotics Laboratory launch.
“We are not just launching the lab, but we are igniting the movement of minds and invention. The DUT smart lab stands as a beacon of what is possible when institutions, government and youth unite. This is not just a facility, but it is a response and intentional answer to the question South Africa cannot avoid. We are preparing our youth for the world that is coming,” said Prof Nemavhola.
merSETA Acting CEO Mr Naphtaly Mokgotsane shared insight on industry support and funding in driving technology innovations. He stated that supporting youth development through technology innovation is both an economic necessity and a social obligation, highlighting merSETA’s commitment to empowering young people.
“We are one of the 21 SETA’s, established through the Skills Development Act (SDA). Our role is to facilitate skills development. It is a great pleasure for me to speak to you about the project that represents the future of skills development in our country. We funded the Smart robotics lab project, in partnership with DUT and MKRI. The partnership brings together the best of academia, research and industry collaborations to prepare our youth for the 4th industrial revolution,” said Mr Mokgotsane.
Dr Thandeka Ellenson, CEO of the Moses Kotane Research Institute then thanked innovators for their dedication to advancing South Africa and encouraged students to harness the lab’s potential to develop solutions for societal challenges. “I would like to encourage our youth today to be not just content with the status core. Be creative, solve problems, address societal challenges and participate in digital economy,” said Ellenson.
In his keynote address, Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Rev. Musa Zondi praised MKRI’s vision and merSETA’s contribution to the lab project, noting its potential to benefit not just DUT but the wider KwaZulu-Natal community.
“It is both an honour and privilege to stand before you today in this beautiful occasion of the launch of the smart lab, which is a transformative initiative that marks a new chapter in our province’s commitment to innovation, technology and inclusive economic development. I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Moses Kotane Research Institute, for their vision, leadership and commitment to the empowerment of our youth and advancement of cutting edge research and innovation,” said MEC Zondi.
Faculty of Accounting and Informatics students, mentored by Prof Oludayo Olugbara, Mr Fanie Ndlovu and Mrs Ugeshni Moodley showcasing their innovative projects that leveraged cutting-edge technologies was one of the highlights of the programme. This display of student innovation demonstrated the potential of emerging technologies in solving real-world problems.
The programme concluded on a high note, with the ribbon cutting ceremony and student demonstration of the smart technology and humanoid robots in the lab.
Pictured: Left to right: Mr Naphtaly Mokgotsane (merSETA Acting CEO), Rev. Musa Zondi (EDTEA MEC), Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola (Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement), and Professor Mashupye Kgaphola (Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Thubelihle Dumakude
