As a University of Technology (UoT) that has survived the transition through colonialism, the post apartheid policy process and a merger, DUT has its roots firmly embedded in South Africa’s history. It is an institution with a complex character and an interesting yet troubled history which has shaped its role in society.
In an interview with DUT Vice Chancellor, Professor Ahmed Bawa outlined areas which he will focus on during his five year term, to enhance the university’s academic and socio-economic profile.
Professor Bawa said: “I am really happy to be here, I see this opportunity as a great challenge as there is much to be achieved as an institution that is in development. The most exciting aspect is how to embark on developing the capacity of the institution to find solutions in a knowledge intensive manner that are of direct benefit to the society in which the institution is embedded. A part of this is engaging in a process of defining the role of a university of technology in contemporary society. This is indeed exciting.
“We embark on a path to address economic growth and reconstruction, simultaneously creating a vibrant culture of collegial unity, research capacity building and academic freedom. These endeavours will strengthen our approach to learning and teaching through the innovative use and implementation of technology. A key element of the challenge is to consolidate and strengthen existing partnerships and to develop new ones. ”
He said during his stint as VC, he will focus on ways to improve the culture of learning and teaching, by understanding the academic needs required to cultivate high quality education that is nationally competitive and globally recognized for its contribution to South Africa’s need for highly educated people. Enhancing the quality of student experience will be central to the project of developing quality learning.
Other key challenges include fostering the growth of an enabling research culture while further developing the qualification profile of academic staff through the suitable provision of necessary support mechanisms. It is important to ensure a culture of openness and transparency in building academic freedom at the institution and within its structures, to foster the growth of free enquiry and the development of teaching excellence.
He said DUT has a number of productive research enterprises underway and it is important to note the extent to which these projects are driven by local imperatives, such as water and food security. In order for the institution to impact on a local and regional level, DUT will have to develop strategic partnerships with industry and businesses, local and provincial government, communities and other knowledge intensive institutions nationally and internationally. Research and technology will be required to address local challenges and it is, therefore, best for these enterprises to be shaped in partnership with the aforementioned institutions. Being a UoT, special emphasis will be given to innovation, technology development and technology transfer. He emphasised that these could only be achieved if there is a strong research base. This collective approach will enable DUT to differentiate itself from more traditional universities.
In addressing issues of resource mobilization, Prof Bawa said: “Universities around the world are experiencing declines in financial resources and it is therefore imperative that DUT begins to loosen its dependence on state subsidy and student fees. Resource mobilisation will be achieved by income generation through entrepreneurial activities and by engaging in research and teaching activities that meet specific needs of the business sector and industry. Activities will be intensified to build entrepreneurial skills among students and staff. Attempts will also be made to raise funding from global philanthropic foundations and development agencies including USAID and SIDA-SAREC”.
“Over the next three months I will be visiting departments to learn as much as possible about DUT and to gauge their understanding of how their role and contribution to the institution may be enhanced and to listen to staff suggestions about how to improve the quality of their work experience”, he said.
“Improving communication within the institution is an area which requires focus in order for us to establish a common understanding of the challenges we face so that an aligned approach might emerge which will have all DUT stakeholders moving in the same direction. It is fundamental that students understand the university exists to ensure we produce people who are active and productive members of society.
“It is extremely important that students work hard and make the most of opportunities presented to them. They must see themselves as privileged, since just 18% of 18-24 year-olds in South Africa have access to higher education”, said Prof Bawa.
The DUT community is welcome to put forward their concerns, opinions and ideas to Prof Bawa via e-mail at vicechancellor@dut.ac.za
– Karishma Ganpath
