The Co-Operative Education Department at the Durban University of Technology hosted the World of Work (WoW) gala dinner last night (Thursday, 15, 2013) at the Elangeni Hotel, North Beach, which coincided with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between DUT and the Health and Welfare SETA (HWSETA) that will result in collaboration between the two instuitions.

Professor Ahmed Bawa; Vice-Chancellor and Principal of DUT, Dr Jairam Reddy; Chair of the DUT Council,Yvonne Mbane, CEO of HW SETA and Thabo Mashoangane of the National Skills Authority were some of the high profile guests that attended the event. The dinner was also attended by students and staff from DUT as well as representatives from companies which are participating in this year’s WoW exhibition.

This year’s WoW exhibition, which took place last week (15-16August 2013) attracted 104 companies – 24 more than last year (2012). The initiative is headed by the University’s Co-operative Education Department with the aim of building and strengthening relationships between the University and both industry professionals and companies. As many of the companies which participate in WOW have a partnership with DUT, this thus leads to many possible internship opportunities for third-year students at the institution.

Prof Ahmed Bawa signed the MoU on behalf of DUT with Mbane signing on behalf of the WHSETA. Engagements towards the establishment of the MoU started in November last year. Mbane said the agreement was “about bettering South Africa,” adding that they cannot meet the socio-economic challenges of the country alone as a SETA. Institutions of higher learning and companies must come on board, she said. “This partnership is about bettering South Africa. Together, we can make a different in dealing with the triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality,” she said.

Shakeel Ori, the Head of Co-Operative Education at DUT said partnerships with industry are extremely important for the University. One of the majour positives is that these partnerships place students in the workplace which gives them skills as well as earn income, which in some cases can ensure that a student does not drop out because of a lack of finances. “As companies (attending WoW), you are also assisting students to get into the right course through your advice. On behalf of DUT, I’d like to convey my sincere appreciation,” said Ori.

– Sinegugu Ndlovu

Pictured: Prof Ahmed Bawa; DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal and Yvonne Mbane; CEO of HW SETA shake hands after signing a Memorandum of Understanding that will see the two institutions collaborating with each other in specific areas.