The Chief Risk Officer at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Mr Sikhuthali Nyangintsimbi provided plenty of ‘food for thought’ to the newly elected DUT Student Representative Council (SRC) during the second day of their induction held at Emakhosini Boutique Hotel, Durban on Tuesday, 25 October 2022. The SRC Induction commenced on Monday, 24 October 2022 and is set to end on Thursday, 27 October 2022.

Nyangintsimbi, who was the first speaker delivered an inspiring presentation to the SRC titled: Deepening Risk Culture: Its Impact on Personal and Team Brand. He emphasized that each member needs to understand that their personal brand or what they do on a personal level has an impact on the brand of the SRC.

“As the incoming SRC, you have to ask yourself what is it that is going to define your tenure as the SRC 2022/23? You were recently inaugurated which means you are still early on to shape that brand,” he said.

Referring to examples that the SRC can relate to, Nyangintsimbi said the Brazil soccer team has won the World Cup five times which is something that no one can dispute whether they like the team or not. To the SRC, he asked what is it that they will do in terms of contribution that will not be disputed by whoever that does not like them. He advised that they must have a will to win, a will to excel and that excellence will show up their tenure.

Nyangintsimbi also reminded the SRC that leadership is not about glory but it is about responsibility. He stated that the objectives of the SRC talk about exemplary leadership, therefore, he urged them on the responsibility for their academic excellence.

Representing the Protection Services at DUT was Mr John Pillay who spoke about their role at the University and how they can partner with the SRC to ensure a safe environment for students and staff. He stated to the student leadership, that they as Protection Services at DUT, they understand that there will be times where the SRC needs to protest to raise attention to pertinent issues, however, the SRC must understand that DUT Protection Services is not in favour of violent protests, saying such protests make the SRC to lose credibility.

Sharing the same sentiments was Mr Lehlohonolo Mokhohlouloane, Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Registered Occupational Safety Manager at DUT. Mokhohlouloane warned the SRC against violent protests, damaging university property and putting the students and staff lives at risk. He made an example of a former student who was charged with attempted murder a few years ago after spraying a fire extinguisher at other students during a protest. He also alerted the students that once they are arrested during a violent protest and their fingerprints are taken they will have a criminal record which will last for 10 years making them unemployable after their graduation.

The DUT Legal Officer, Ms Thembalethu Fihlela also spoke at length to the SRC about how they should prioritise important matters and strive to make a difference and an impact during their tenure. She also emphasised the importance of respect and communication to avoid unnecessary tensions that might end up leading to protests. Fihlela pointed out that it pains her to issue a suspension or expulsion letters to students, whom end up forgetting where they come from and risk it all during the violent protests.

Speaking on public relations and communications, the Communications Manager at DUT, Ms Noxolo Memela emphasized the importance of the SRC in protecting the image of the University. She indicated that Corporate Affairs is responsible for protecting and promoting the reputation of the University internally and externally. She vowed her support for the SRC to positively promote the University brand and their structure. She highlighted to the members that during their tenure they need to work on building a good image of the DUT SRC, respect, listen and ask so that they do not get into the wrong side of the law or of the University. Memela also pleaded with the SRC to be in contact with her unit to timeously share their projects and successes in order to have their positive stories published internally and shared externally with the media.

Extending their support to the SRC to assist them to be great leaders who read and write well, that strive for academic excellence were Professor Gift Mheta, of the DUT Writing Centre Manager and Mr Siza Radebe, DUT Library Manager. Both discussed their services with a hope of building a mutually beneficial partnership with the SRC.

In closing, Mr Masiza Ngculu, Student Governance and Development Manager, thanked all the DUT staff who availed themselves to congratulate and share words of wisdom to the new SRC.

Pictured: DUT Chief Risk Officer, Mr Sikhuthali Nyangintsimbi presenting on the second day of the SRC 2022/23 Induction.

Simangele Zuma