The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Communications unit under Corporate Affairs hosted its third annual DUT Media Day 2024 event themed “Committed to Excellence”. This prestigious event recently took place at Coastlands Hotel, Umhlanga.
This prestigious event was aimed to ensure that media are informed about DUT’s key successes in 2024 and are appreciated for their ongoing partnerships, while also forging stronger relationships for future collaboration.
Welcoming the guests in attendance was the Senior Director of the Corporate Affairs, Mr Alan Khan, who gave a brief overview of 2024’s accomplishments while extending his gratitude to the media representatives for their continued support.
‘’A special welcome to everyone, our partners in the media, my colleagues from the university. This is our third annual DUT
Senior Director of Corporate Affairs: Mr Alan Khan
Media Day, and it is a day that is dedicated to expressing our immense gratitude and appreciation for the incredible partnership that we share with our colleagues in the media for sharing our journey with the world on this relationship. Your dedication to reporting on our higher education highlights the brilliance of innovation and the transformative impact that institutions like the DUT has,’’ said Khan.
He further highlighted some of the milestone moments of 2024, one being on DUT’s entry into the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge in Monte Carlo. Also, he gave insight into the recent Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan University Rankings, where DUT had moved from 13th place to 11th position in 2024, out of 129 universities in Africa.
DUT’s Professor Ian Lazarus, the Siyahamba Solar Boat Project Leader and KZN Industrial Energy Efficient Training and Resource Centre Manager gave a brief history of the Siyahamba Solar Boat and the road to Monaco. He also highlighted the 2025 plans of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and hydrogen as part of their upcoming project.
“The Monaco Challenge journey was an incredible experience in terms of hydrogen energy research, technological innovations. Being one of the 15 finalists among 120 entries worldwide, inspires us all. It showcases the talent and potential that exists within the higher education institutions in South Africa across the world to compete which is remarkable. There were 31 university teams that took part, and we were the only one from Africa. In 2025 the Siyahamba boat will be re-designed to include an intelligent navigation system and will be participating in the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge in 2025,’’ said Prof Lazarus.
Following his talk was the Multimedia lecturer, Senior Producer and anchor at Network, SABC, Mr Siphumelele Zondi, who shared his expertise with the guests on the technological advancements in the media industry, while also delving into how the new technological advancements are impacting the media industry. He further commented on the brief history of media and the role of technology in the media in South Africa.
Ms Phumzile Xulu, the Engagement Practitioner from Community Engagement Unit then presented on DUT’s role in community engagement and social impact, including the impactful project that they have done throughout the communities in 2024.
“The community engagement work allows for the DUT community to embody the values and strategic objectives outlined in the DUT ENVSION2030. In our career guidance programme, we have supported over 100 high schools across KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces. Career Guidance and motivation for Grade 9 to12 learners reached over 8000 learners,’’ said Xulu.
Sharing on his inspiring entrepreneurial journey and his impact on society, was the DUT’s adaptive graduate Mr Lunga Ntuli. Ntuli is also an author and has written eight books which includes his famous one called ‘’Single Not by Choice’’ which emphasises the importance of investing in academics to push one’s passion.
“In whatever you do or whatever passion you may have it is very important to back it up with education. You are never too young or old to succeed,’’ said Ntuli.
The fun and special moment of the event was the guest appearance by DUT’s robot, Neo, who engaged with the guests.
DUT Media Officer Ms Simangele Zuma closed of the event by thanking the media representatives, guest speakers, and DUT Corporate Affairs for making the effort to attend the event and to all who had contributed to making the event a success.
Pictured: DUT Publications Officer with Mr Siphumelele Zondi, who shared his expertise with the guests on the technological advancements in the media industry.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese
Vukani Langa
