Over 120 high school principals from Africa attended the Durban University of Technology’s 2017 Principals seminar at the University’s hotel school, last Thursday, (31 August 2017).

Principals from various schools in and out of the region, province and the country, as well as representatives from different faculties and departments within DUT gathered for the seminar. The University’s principal seminar has been running for over five years and each year it has seen in an increase in its attendance with more schools participating.

DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu shared his experience on being raised by a principal and becoming a successful leader in managing, with the students at heart. “I become very sentimental in the midst of principals because I was raised by a principal whom I am not sure if my management style is different from his. School principals are very similar to vice-chancellors,” he said.
He further encouraged attendees of the seminar to view DUT in a different light and not just a University but a University of Technology with a focus providing education that ensures that there was a link in education and practical work in the world of work.

“At DUT we don’t just pick the best students but we give opportunity to students, we believe that everyone has a purpose and we aim to serve that purpose. DUT is a home and we make sure that when our students leave DUT, they are exposed to opportunities, due to the type of work done in the classroom and in the industry,” added Prof Mthembu.

In addition to the different presentations from faculty and departmental representatives, a performance was given by the drama and production studies students and from the Swaziland ladies principals, who captured the hearts of the principals and educators. The principals and educators were also taken on a tour around the University.

Pictured: Patience Gugu Dlamini from Nzongomane Secondary school principal in Swaziland, in attendance at the event.

Noxolo Memela