Long-serving staff members at the Durban University of Technology were honored by the University in a ceremony last week where their contributions and achievements (at the University) were recognised.
The DUT 2012 Staff Recognition ceremony took place at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, DUT Steve Biko Campus, on Wednesday March 20, 2013. Here, members of staff who have served the institution for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years were given awards. Homage was also paid to DUT retirees. In his address on behalf of the DUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Ahmed Bawa, Dr Matata Mokoele, the Director of Human Resources at DUT, welcomed the honourees and retirees to the event, saying their recognition is indicative of their value to the University.
“You’ve played a vital role, representing DUT at the highest level. This merits our praise. DUT has achieved its mandate through your hard work and uncommon loyalty. Without your efforts, this University would shine less brightly,” he said.
Staff members are the University’s human capital, Dr Mokoele explained. The Staff Recognition awards fall under DUT’s new staff retention strategy. As part of its incentives, DUT will work towards ensuring that staff receives the best health care, get salary increases as well as study benefits. Prof Nqabomzi Gawe, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Institutional Support, said she is thankful and proud that DUT has managed to excel as a university of technology, even after the merger (between Natal Technikon and ML Sultan). “This would not have been possible without the work of staff. It’s because of you that DUT is still standing and being counted amongst the best universities of technology,” she said.
To the retirees, Prof Gawe stressed that retirement from work need not mean retirement from life. She urged retirees to be free as well as to enjoy themselves, as she aspires to do when she too retires very soon.
– Naledi Hlefane
First picture: Krish Jewnarain, Information Systems Acting Manager, and John Roome, a Lecturer in Fine Art and Jewellery Design Department, were both awarded for their 35 years of service to DUT.
Second and third pictures: Retirees, Mzikayifani Majola, who worked as a General Assistant in DUT’s Maintenance Department, and Dr Graham Myers, who lectured in the Auditing and Taxation Department were also honored for their excellent service to DUT.
