The Durban University of Technology (DUT), through the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT), celebrated the successful completion of its New Academics Induction Programme during the Academic Induction Sharing Day and Certification Ceremony held at the DUT Hotel School on the Ritson Campus.
The event marked an important milestone for 28 newly appointed academics who successfully completed a comprehensive induction programme designed to prepare them for academic life at DUT. Conducted over six months, from January to July 2026, the programme equipped participants with the knowledge, skills and institutional understanding required to contribute effectively to the University’s core mandates of teaching and learning, research, community engagement and institutional citizenship.
The celebration also provided an opportunity for new academics from across DUT’s faculties and campuses to showcase research and innovative teaching practices that enhance student success while strengthening collaboration and professional networks across the institution.
The programme commenced with opening remarks by Dr Doreen Mheta, Academic Development Practitioner (ADP) in CELT, who welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of academic induction in supporting newly appointed academics as they transition into the University environment. She emphasised that the programme provides a strong foundation for understanding DUT’s Philosophy of Education, institutional values, policies and academic expectations while fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and continuous professional growth.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Acting Director of Organisational Development and Talent Management, Ms Helen Mogoros, Ms Kirshni Rhyman congratulated the participants on successfully completing the programme.
“Today is not simply about receiving a certificate. It is about recognising your commitment to becoming educators who will shape the future of our students, our institution and ultimately our country.”
She described the ceremony as a celebration of professional growth and commended CELT for facilitating a programme that reflects DUT’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, staff development and lifelong learning.
Ms Rhyman emphasised that the induction programme represents much more than an orientation process.
“The event reflects something much deeper than an induction programme. It represents the culture that DUT is intentionally building, a culture where learning never stops, where reflection is encouraged, where innovation is celebrated and where every employee understands that their own growth contributes directly to the success of our students.”
Speaking from a Human Capital Services perspective, she noted that talent development begins from an employee’s first day at the University. She explained that the early experiences of newly appointed academics shape how they engage with students, collaborate with colleagues and contribute to the University’s strategic objectives.
Aligning her message with DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy and the University’s Philosophy of Education, Ms Rhyman reminded participants that universities are transformed not merely through infrastructure or technology, but through people who continue to learn, innovate and place students at the centre of everything they do.
She encouraged the new academics to remain committed to continuous professional development by participating in professional learning communities, seeking mentorship, engaging in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, publishing research, pursuing higher qualifications, developing digital capabilities and collaborating across disciplines.
The ceremony also featured inspiring reflections from recently appointed academics.
Professor Jared Padayachee, from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, shared his philosophy of teaching, reminding participants of the timeless proverb that a wise teacher makes learning a joy.
“I strive to make learning a joy for my students by being an enthusiastic teacher who stimulates curiosity, leading to deep learning and conceptual change.”
His colleague, Dr Oritonda Muribwathoho, encouraged fellow academics to embrace transition as a process of learning and adaptation rather than simply transferring previous practices into a new institutional context. She urged participants to align their personal teaching aspirations with DUT’s ENVISION2030 vision and shared an important reminder:
“Technology should support teaching, not complicate it.”
In his closing remarks, Professor Livingstone Makondo, Institutional Coordinator of the New Academics Induction Programme, congratulated the participants on successfully completing the six month programme and acknowledged the wealth of expertise, experience and fresh perspectives they bring to the University.
He encouraged the newly inducted academics to make DUT their academic home, continue investing in their professional growth and contribute meaningfully to advancing the University’s strategic priorities of academic excellence, student success and societal impact.
Professor Makondo also expressed appreciation to Human Capital Services, CELT facilitators, faculty leadership and all colleagues who contributed to the successful implementation of the programme. He noted that while the certification ceremony marked the conclusion of the induction programme, it also signified the beginning of each academic’s lifelong journey of scholarly growth, innovation and service to the University community.
The Academic Induction Sharing Day and Certification Ceremony reaffirmed DUT’s commitment to nurturing reflective, innovative and student centred academics who will continue to shape the future of higher education through excellence in teaching, research and community engagement.
Pictured: Newly inducted academics, representatives from Human Capital Services, CELT facilitators and invited guests celebrate the successful completion of the New Academics Induction Programme during the Academic Induction Sharing Day and Certification Ceremony held at the DUT Hotel School on the Ritson Campus.
Photographer: Sandile Lushozi.
Waheeda Peters
