The Student Recruitment Unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted a team-building event for educators from Sibusisiwe Comprehensive Technical High School in Mbumbulu. The event was facilitated by ZuriXtrain.
The initiative was organised to express appreciation to Sibusisiwe Comprehensive Technical High School, recognised as DUT’s top feeder school for 2026, while further strengthening the long-standing partnership between the school and the university. The event also aimed to motivate educators to continue their outstanding work in preparing learners for higher education and achieving excellent academic results.
Opening the event, Manager of the DUT Student Recruitment Unit, Mr Alex Mdletshe, thanked the educators for making time to attend the team-building session. He highlighted that DUT annually recognises its top-performing feeder schools, noting that Sibusisiwe Comprehensive Technical High School has consistently ranked among the university’s leading feeder schools for several years.
Mr Mdletshe further commended the school for the 44 learners who enrolled at DUT in 2026, describing this achievement as a testament to the strong partnership between the school and the university.
“This year, we registered 44 learners from Sibusisiwe Comprehensive Technical High School, and we do not take that achievement lightly. We would like to acknowledge and thank all the educators for the dedication and hard work they invest in preparing learners for higher education. By organising this event, we hope to recognise your efforts and encourage you to continue the excellent work of producing well-prepared students who are ready to succeed at university,”
said Mr Mdletshe.
DUT Student Recruitment Officer and project leader, Mr Michael Zulu, delivered a presentation providing educators with an overview of the university’s academic programmes, faculties and campuses. The session aimed to equip teachers with a better understanding of the opportunities available to learners after completing high school, enabling them to provide informed guidance to prospective students considering higher education at DUT.
He also encouraged educators to begin guiding learners from Grade 10 when selecting their subjects, emphasising the importance of choosing subjects that align with their intended career paths. He stressed that this is particularly important for learners aspiring to pursue qualifications in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, where the correct subject combinations are essential for university admission.
Speaking on behalf of Sibusisiwe Comprehensive Technical High School, Principal Mr Emmanuel Duma praised the school’s remarkable achievement of maintaining a 100% matric pass rate for the past three consecutive years. He congratulated the educators for their outstanding work and expressed gratitude to DUT for its continued support programmes that help learners succeed.
“There is no amount of money that can truly express our gratitude for the unwavering commitment and dedication that teachers give to their learners every day. It is not often that you find a team of educators united by a shared purpose and passion for shaping young people’s futures. That is why it is both humbling and encouraging to have an institution as prestigious as the Durban University of Technology recognise our hard work. We sincerely appreciate this gathering and would like to thank the DUT team for acknowledging our efforts. This recognition motivates us to continue striving for excellence and supporting our learners in achieving their academic goals,” he said.
The team-building programme featured a range of exciting activities, including quad biking, ziplining, paintball and the wild swing, all facilitated by experienced and well-trained instructors. While some of the activities pushed participants beyond their comfort zones, the educators embraced the challenges with enthusiasm and determination, demonstrating a willingness to overcome their fears.
Designed to strengthen teamwork and collaboration, the activities fostered trust, promoted effective communication and encouraged participants to rely on one another. They also supported personal growth while contributing to the physical and mental well-being of educators, making the experience both enjoyable and meaningful.
The educators from Sibusisiwe Comprehensive Technical High School expressed their delight and appreciation for the team-building event hosted by DUT. They thanked the university for recognising their dedication and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the school’s status as one of DUT’s leading feeder schools.
They also emphasised that the experience extended beyond personal development. Strengthening their teamwork, leadership and communication skills would better equip them to serve as positive role models and provide meaningful support to their learners, ultimately contributing to the continued success of the school and its students.
Pictured: Attendees at the team-building event for educators from Sibusisiwe Comprehensive Technical High School in Mbumbulu.
Pictured: Supplied
Thubelihle Dumakude
