The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Tiyani Mboweni as the new Communications Manager within the Corporate Affairs Division. He brings with him over 16 years of professional experience spanning higher education, government, and the private sector. Mr Mboweni officially assumed his duties on Wednesday, 05 November 2025, following a warm welcome from the Corporate Affairs team.
Originally from Phalaborwa in Limpopo Province, Mr Mboweni is deeply passionate about the power of storytelling. He believes that communication is not merely about sharing information, but about building connections, inspiring people, and driving meaningful impact.
“I see myself as a communicator who blends creativity with strategy, using words, visuals, and ideas to connect institutions with their audiences and strengthen community trust,” he shared.
Mr Mboweni holds a Master of Arts in Media Studies from the University of Limpopo, a qualification that has shaped his strategic and analytical approach to communication. Prior to joining DUT, he served as a Social Media Officer at the University of Venda (UNIVEN), where he led the university’s social media strategy, brand alignment, and digital recruitment campaigns. His work significantly boosted student engagement and strengthened UNIVEN’s digital presence, positioning the university as a leading voice in higher education.
He also spent seven years as a Media Liaison Officer at Mopani TVET College under the Department of Higher Education and Training, managing corporate communications, stakeholder relations, and events. In addition, he contributed to academia as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Limpopo, where he taught, supervised research, and mentored students in media studies.
“Each of these roles has helped me grow as a strategic communicator who understands both the creative and institutional sides of communication,” he added.
As DUT’s Communications Manager, Mr Mboweni will lead and coordinate the university’s communication initiatives, including media relations, internal and external communication, content strategy, and brand visibility.
“I will work closely with various departments to ensure that our messages reflect DUT’s identity, achievements, and values, both within the university and to the wider public. Essentially, my role is to help tell DUT’s story in a way that is authentic, engaging, and aligned with our strategic vision,” he explained.
He expressed enthusiasm about strengthening DUT’s storytelling culture and ensuring that the remarkable work taking place across the university continues to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
“The Communications team has been doing an exceptional job in positioning DUT as a vibrant and forward-thinking institution. My goal is not to change much, but rather to blend in, collaborate, and build on the solid foundation that already exists,” he noted.
Mr Mboweni’s focus will include enhancing internal communication so that every staff member and student feels connected and informed, while also strengthening external communication to ensure DUT’s achievements, initiatives, and impact are effectively shared with the broader community, alumni, industry partners, and media.
“I aim to continue expanding our digital footprint, developing compelling content, and fostering strong media and stakeholder relationships to position DUT as a leading, people-centred institution, locally, nationally, and internationally. In doing so, I hope to contribute meaningfully to the realisation of DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy, which centres on people, engagement, excellence, and innovation,” he highlighted.
In his welcome remarks, Mr Alan Khan, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at DUT, said, “I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Mr Mboweni to the Corporate Affairs Unit at DUT. He has accomplished some remarkable things, especially around social media, at his previous institution. We are excited and look forward to his contribution to our university. I am sure he will soon embrace the Living Values Framework and support our efforts in driving ENVISION2030. It’s an exciting time for the university, and we wish Mr Mboweni a successful, enjoyable, and long stay with us at DUT.”
Sharing similar sentiments, Ms Vasantha Govender, Marketing, Public Relations and Events Manager at DUT, said she was looking forward to working closely with him and welcomed the new ideas and expertise he brings to the Corporate Affairs team. She wished him a pleasant and fulfilling journey at the university.
Mr Alex Mdletshe, Student Recruitment Manager at DUT, also shared his excitement in welcoming Mr Mboweni.
“DUT has been without a Communications Manager for the past two years. As part of the Management Committee for Corporate Affairs, we now only have one position outstanding, the Design Studio Manager. We are excited to have someone to liaise with regarding the Communications Unit and look forward to sharing ideas and working together.”
Pictured: The newly appointed DUT Communications Manager, Mr Tiyani Mboweni.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese
Waheeda Peters and Simangele Zuma
