Postgraduate students in the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics (FAI) were introduced to the academic, research and support resources available to them during a Postgraduate Orientation hosted by the FAI Research Office on Thursday, 10 September 2026, at the Immersive Digital Workshop Centre at Ritson Campus.
As the second-largest faculty at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), FAI offers a diverse academic environment across its disciplines, with research playing an important role in advancing knowledge, developing solutions and preparing postgraduate students to contribute meaningfully to their fields.
Welcoming the postgraduate students and attendees, Executive Dean Professor Oludayo Olugbara emphasised the importance of developing a strong research mindset and encouraged students to familiarise themselves with different research approaches and methodologies.
“Research is an important part of postgraduate studies because it enables us to generate new knowledge, address challenges and contribute solutions to society. As postgraduate students, you need to understand research and develop the qualities required to become critical thinkers, problem-solvers and independent researchers,” said Prof Olugbara.
He encouraged students to make use of the opportunities and support available to them throughout their postgraduate journey, noting that academic success extends beyond completing a qualification and includes developing the ability to investigate, question and contribute to knowledge within their respective disciplines.
Interim Research Coordinator Dr Peggy Mthalane welcomed the students to DUT and FAI and outlined the purpose of the orientation, which was to familiarise postgraduate students with the institutional support structures available to assist them throughout their studies, particularly with their research.
“Postgraduate studies come with a number of academic and research responsibilities, and students do not have to navigate this journey alone. This orientation was designed to connect students with the relevant institutional structures, services and resources that can support them from the beginning of their research journey through to completion,” said Dr Mthalane.
The orientation brought together representatives from key institutional stakeholders and support units, including the Institutional Research Ethics Committee (IREC), Writing Centre, Student Counselling, Library and Support Services, Research and Postgraduate Support, Finance, Quality Promotions and the International Office.
Through the presentations, students learned more about the services available to support their academic development, research and overall postgraduate experience.
Mr Philani Khumalo from the Research Ethics Committee explained DUT’s updated research ethics and postgraduate processes, including the University’s transition from manual to digital systems to streamline research-related processes and improve efficiency.
Representing Research and Postgraduate Support, Mr Edzani Nevondo highlighted the unit’s role in developing the skills, knowledge and capabilities of postgraduate students and staff through training programmes and workshops.
Postgraduate Librarian Ms Patricia Badenhorst introduced students to library services that support research, including access to academic resources, databases and referencing assistance available across DUT libraries.
Ms Zamajobe Sithole from the Writing Centre explained how the centre assists students with strengthening their academic writing and communicating their research effectively. She encouraged postgraduate students to make use of individual consultations and other writing support services available to them.
Other presentations focused on opportunities and services available to postgraduate students, including international opportunities, counselling, financial support, quality assurance, innovation, entrepreneurship and student representation.
The programme concluded with a question-and-answer session, giving students an opportunity to seek clarification and engage directly with representatives from the various support units.
The orientation reinforced FAI’s commitment to creating a supportive postgraduate environment where students have access to the knowledge, resources and guidance needed to navigate their academic and research journeys successfully.
Photographer: Mandisi Mvunel
Luyanda Mlaba
