The Co-operative Education Unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted its annual World of Work (WoW) Gala Dinner, bringing together students, industry partners and key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry and support the development of future-ready graduates and leaders.
The prestigious event was held at The Station Urban Event Space in Durban on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, following the official opening of the WoW Career Fair 2026 at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, Steve Biko Campus, on Wednesday, 19 August and Thursday, 20 August 2026. The career fair will conclude at the Indumiso Campus in Pietermaritzburg on Friday, 21 August 2026.
The Gala Dinner provided an opportunity to celebrate the longstanding partnerships between DUT and industry, while highlighting the critical role of workplace learning, mentorship and industry engagement in preparing students for successful careers.
The evening was facilitated by two Public Relations graduates working under the Co-operative Education Unit, Ms Philiswa Shongwe and Mr Innocent Mhlongo. Guests were warmly welcomed by students from the Department of Child and Youth Care, who set the tone for the evening with vibrant traditional music.
Delivering the welcoming remarks on behalf of Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at DUT, was Mr Zwakele Ngubane, Director of the Advancement and Alumni Relations Unit. He conveyed Professor Nemavhola’s apologies for his absence, as he was travelling abroad on University business.
Mr Ngubane emphasised that meaningful partnerships between higher education and industry are central to preparing graduates to navigate an increasingly complex world of work.
“This evening celebrates something that lies at the heart of DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy: developing adaptive graduates, not only for employment, but for meaningful participation and leadership in a rapidly changing world. The transition from the lecture hall to the workplace is one of the most important journeys in a student’s life. While universities provide knowledge, critical thinking and technical expertise, it is through meaningful engagement with industry that students gain insight into the realities, expectations and opportunities of the world of work,” said Mr Ngubane.
He expressed his appreciation to DUT’s industry partners for their continued support and commitment to student development, particularly through opening their workplaces to students, providing workplace learning opportunities, mentoring emerging talent and participating in initiatives such as the WoW Career Fair.
Ms Lungile Dlamini, Regional Manager at the Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA), shared insights into the SETA’s mandate and its role in developing skills aligned with industry needs.
She explained that CATHSSETA works to ensure that students acquire skills that respond to the evolving requirements of the workplace. While acknowledging that CATHSSETA is one of the smaller SETAs, she said the organisation remains proud of its contribution towards developing the next generation of professionals.
Addressing students, Ms Dlamini encouraged them to embrace every opportunity available to them and to remain open to starting small, emphasising that early experiences can provide valuable lessons and create pathways towards bigger and better opportunities.
Delivering the keynote address, titled “Igniting Possibilities,” was Advocate Vasanti Srineevassan, Human Resource Executive at Lion Match Group Products.
Advocate Srineevassan applauded DUT for its contribution to economic growth, social progress and community transformation, highlighting the importance of the partnership between DUT and Lion Match Products.
“Our relationship with DUT has been built on shared values: a commitment to excellence, practical learning, innovation, and the development of young people who will become the workforce and leaders of tomorrow. Together, we recognise that bridging the gap between academic learning and the realities of the workplace is more important today than ever before,” said Advocate Srineevassan.
She noted that the rapidly changing world of work requires graduates to possess more than technical expertise. Employers increasingly value adaptability, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and the ability to collaborate effectively in diverse environments.
“Universities provide the foundation, but industry partnerships help bring that learning to life,” she said.
Also addressing the gathering was Dr Zena Richards, Director in the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning at DUT, who delivered a message of appreciation on behalf of Professor Vusi Gumede, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning.
“On behalf of the DVC: Teaching and Learning and the DUT community, I extend our sincere appreciation to all our partners from industry, professional organisations and the Sector Education and Training Authorities. Thank you for opening your workplaces to our students, sharing your expertise, providing mentorship and investing in the next generation of professionals. Your partnership and commitment have helped to transform educational opportunities into meaningful workplace experiences for our students,” said Dr Richards.
Dr Richards also gave special recognition to Mr Rajen Naidoo, Regional Manager at the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA), highlighting the longstanding relationship between DUT and CHIETA.
She explained that the partnership dates back to the first SETA funding application submitted in 2013 by the Co-operative Education Unit under the leadership of its then Acting Director, Dr Themba Msukwini.
Since then, CHIETA has approved millions of rands in funding to support stipends for DUT students undertaking workplace training. Dr Richards said this contribution has helped remove financial barriers and enabled many students to complete an important component of their education through workplace-based learning.
Mr Thamsanqa Maqubela, CEO of SACGRA presenting the Youth Employment Award 2026 to Dr Themba Msukwini and his wife, Mrs Msukwini.
The evening also featured a special recognition of DUT and Dr Msukwini by Mr Thamsanqa Maqubela, Chief Executive Officer of the South African Council for Graduates (SACGRA). Mr Maqubela presented two Youth Employment Awards in the University of Technology and Director of Co-Operative Education categories, in recognition of their significant contribution to shaping and supporting the development of future leaders over the years.
Dr Msukwini expressed his appreciation for the recognition and introduced members of his team from the Durban and Midlands campuses, acknowledging their dedication and service to the Co-operative Education Unit.
In closing, Ms Shireen Singh, Acting Manager in the Co-Operative Education Unit announced that Dr Msukwini will be leaving DUT at the end of August 2026, following 30 years of service to the University.
She revealed that Dr Msukwini will be pursuing farming after his departure and has committed to creating training opportunities for DUT students through his new venture.
On behalf of the Co-operative Education Unit, Ms Singh expressed her sincere appreciation to Dr Msukwini for his leadership, guidance and support over the years.
The Gala Dinner concluded on a celebratory note, with guests entertained by musical performances from Siphokazi Maphumulo, popularly known as Nonzwakazi, as well as a fashion showcase featuring DUT students from the Department of Fashion and Textiles.
The WoW Gala Dinner reaffirmed the importance of strong academia-industry partnerships in creating meaningful workplace learning opportunities and equipping DUT graduates with the skills, experience and confidence needed to thrive in an evolving world of work.
Pictured: Mr Thamsanqa Maqubela, Chief Executive Officer of the South African Council for Graduates (SACGRA) presenting the DUT award to Dr Zena Richards, Director in the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning and Mr Zwakele Ngubane, Director of the Advancement and Alumni Relations Unit.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Simangele Zuma
