The Department of Human Resources Management (HRM) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted its second annual Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Awards. The event recently took place at the Coastlands Musgrave Hote, to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions of host companies and mentors who have been instrumental in the success of the WIL in 2024.
The event was facilitated by Mrs Mercillene Mathews, who energised each individual with her dynamic presence. This year’s theme was black and gold, which represented luxury, sophistication, and timeless elegance.
Dr Wiza Munyeka, Head of Department for Human Resource Management, welcomed industry partners from both the private and public sectors, distinguished guests, and all attendees, extending special acknowledgment to the Office of the Dean. He emphasised that it was a time and moment to honour their industry partners, who made their students feel part of the work environment. He added that their contributions were significant in providing students with practical experience and preparing them for the workplace.
Dr Ashnee Rajlal, a WIL Coordinator, shared the purpose of the event, expressing her sincere gratitude to the companies and mentors who had played a pivotal role in providing valuable work integrated learning experiences for their students. She appreciated the effort and resources invested in the students and looked forward to strengthening relationships with the partners.
She said: “Our goal is to create a collaborative environment where both your organisations and our students can thrive. Together, we can bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical experience, ensuring our graduates are well prepared for the challenges ahead.”
Professor Melanie Lourens, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS), highlighted the significant role in the institution’s ENVISION2030 strategy.
“The contribution that the relationships established between our departments and employers make to the bigger picture that cannot be underestimated. We are proud to partner with a diverse range of companies that see the potential in our students and offer them hands on experience to enhance their skills,” added Prof Lourens.
The WIL Awards ceremony was attended by esteemed guests, including Industrial Psychologist Mrs Karin Young, Ms Philisiwe Khuboni from Co-operative Education, Pedro’s HR Manager Tasneem Khan, Maestro Mncibi from eThekwini Municipality, and Advisory Board Chairperson Asthera Kisten.
The awards had four categories of which are mentors, companies, facilitators, and sponsors. Mrs Mathews announced the company awards which were eThekwini Municipality (Parks and Recreation) and eThekwini district office (Highway House), Lungelo Youth Development, St Augustine Hospital, Parklands Hospital, Conlog Solution, DUT Research Office: MGT science, R K Khan hospital, Sandrocks Austrak Shipyard, Addington Hospital, Mbongolwane Hospital, Prince Mshiyeni Hospital, Wildtrust, DUT TENUSA, Harry Gwala Regional Hospital, and DUT Faculty of Management Sciences.
She also announced the mentor’s awards which were Dudu Shabalala, Bokang Molefe, Phumelele Mbanjwa, Nozipho Bulose, Zimkhitha Ntutu, Fikile Malinga, Caren Khan, Maestro Mncubi, Mandla Memela, Philani Khomo, Ahmed Ashruf, Phindile Mhlongo, Phindi Mhlongo, Lindiwe Zwane, Sipho Mdleko, Thobeka Mhlongo, Mandisa Khathi, Marie Kandralidis, Shamilla Govender, Lungelo Shandu, Nancy Naidoo, Thobeka Ximba, and Asthera Kisten.
Prior to announcing the facilitators category, Dr Munyeka took a moment to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the WIL awards team, including Dr Rajlal, Dr Tatenda Chikikwa, Ms Nqobile Sibisi, and other dedicated staff members who worked together to make this celebration a reality. Dr Munyeka also announced that Dr Sifiso Myeni, a senior lecturer, will be taking on the role of WIL coordinator for 2025.
Before announcing the final category, Dr Munyeka took a moment to express gratitude to the sponsors who made last year’s event possible. The department of Human Resources Management’s successful hosted Fun Day for first-year students was supported by esteemed external sponsors, including Nedbank, eThekwini Municipality, Vodacom, Spar, BB, Redbull, Oxford, Taylor & Francis, and aQuelle, as well as internal sponsors such as DUT Student Housing, the Gender Forum, Advisory Board members, and innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
In his closing remarks, Dr Munyeka expressed gratitude to the public and private sector partners for their collaboration, the sponsors for their continued support, and the esteemed guests for honoring the occasion with their presence. He added that the department was delighted to have companies and mentors that welcomed students with open arms to participate in WIL opportunities and expressed a desire to further strengthen the partnerships and expand the network of sponsors.
Pictured: Head of Department of HRM, Dr Munyeka, Dr Tatenda Chikikwa handing out certificates to mentors.
Photographer: DUT Multimedia.
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
