DUT’s Sports Centre on the Steve Biko Campus was buzzing as students mingled with their potential employers at the annual World of Work (WOW) exhibition…
DUT’s Sports Centre on the Steve Biko Campus was buzzing as students mingled with their potential employers at the annual World of Work (WOW) exhibition.
The exhibition was graced by the presence of Vice-Chancellor Professor Ahmed Bawa who was delighted with the proceedings of the day.
“I’m very happy with everything. One of the things that distinguishes DUT from the rest is being able to give students a chance to see what companies are looking for,” said Professor Bawa.
Companies and organisation representatives from all sectors including Eskom, Bell Equipment, SAPPI, SABC Radio, AVUSA, Hilton Hotel, KZN Wildlife, Liberty Life, SAPS Forensic Labs, FNB and South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) to mention a few, were all excited about the massive turnout of students.
Mapitso Dlepu of SAMSA said they are encouraged by the enthusiasm and keenness of students when seeking knowledge. She said she holds DUT in high regards for putting the event together which was geared at helping students.
“It is nice to see students realizing early what the market place is and what employers want from them. It is a positive sign to see African people taking information on Maritime Studies, defying that silly notion that they are scared of water,” said Dlephu.
Meanwhile Thuli Zwane of the Hilton Hotel says she is a graduate of DUT and is happy with the quality of students DUT has produced for them over the years.
“Obviously when students come from tertiary they are not that good but their willingness to learn has turned them into great professionals for the Hilton Hotel” said Zwane.
A third year IT student, Nick Botha, said he found the exhibition quite helpful as he got a chance to mingle with various potential employers. However, S’busiso Nombembe, another IT student said it was a little bit too chaotic! Lwazi Nkwanyana, a dental technology student says he felt the exhibition fell short in other departments like dental technology, with the exception of a few health companies.
Director of Co-operative Education, Shakeel Ori said he was delighted to see so many companies participating and said they are working on bringing more companies to accommodate all disciplines. For example, they hosted the Sunday Times (AVUSA) for the first time this year.
-By Nqobizizwe Zwane
