The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) visited the DUT Durban Campuses on Friday, 7 October 2022 to determine the progress made by the institution on the Long-Term Spatial Plan as supported by DHET.
The R1 billion state-of-the-art infrastructure project which aligns with the university’s strategy, ENVISION2030, began in 2019.
The revered guests included DHETs Mr Bhekithemba Mlambo-Chief Director: Infrastructure Support, Mr Donald Kubayi -Deputy Director: Infrastructure Support, Dr Ncedo Xhala – Deputy Director: Infrastructure Support. They were hosted by DUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations, Dr Vuyo Mthethwa and the Senior Director: Real Estate Management, Mr Thabani Mhlongo. Other DUT delegates in attendance included the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mrs Nthanyi Dhumazi, Specialist: Special Projects, Finance, Nalisha Pillay, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Teaching and Learning, Professor Suren Singh, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Professor Keolebogile Motaung, Campus Director for the Midlands Campuses, Dr Joe Molete and Project Manager, Mr Khulekani Sydney Shabalala.
The visit commenced with welcoming remarks by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Mthethwa, with responding opening remarks by the Chief Director, Mr Mlambo from DHET. Presentations were made by DUT’s Mr Mhlongo and Dr Molete, in respect of the status of the project and accounting for the funding utilised for the DHET funded 4th and 5th funding cycle projects.
Mr Mhlongo spoke of the overall status of the project, making reference to the different stages that had been achieved by the university and providing detail on the expenditure of the funding as provided by DHET as well as that from the university’s own funding. He shared the challenges experienced by the university and the associated mitigation plans.
“There were 36 projects funded in this cycle. The aim of the project is not only to improve the University’s space utilisation but also address issues related to Occupational Health and Safety, the provision of disability access and alignment with the University’s revised Master Plan. Five projects were cancelled as a result of the review of the Master Plan and the process of re-allocation of funds was done in line with the re-prioritisation by the university,” said Mr Mhlongo.
The challenges experienced in the main related to the delays associated with the appointments of contractors, sub-contractors and design consultants; student protests, inclement weather and COVID-19. To improve efficiencies of the project, a number of steps had been taken by the university including:
- ·the establishment of an Infrastructure Development Steering Committee chaired by the Vice-Chancellor to monitor projects and assist in resolution of bottlenecks.
- ·the establishment of a Project Management Office.
- ·A panel of consultants approved by Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC) now utilised for projects.
- ·A panel of contractors approved by Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC) and being utilised for projects.
- ·An Electronic Project Management System Project which is in the planning stage.
Dr Molete provided insight into the Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct (IEIP), saying that the precinct was proposed by Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande in 2014, as a mechanism to pilot and explore an alternative modality of education delivery. He also spoke of some of the potential projects that would necessitate the application of a 6th funding cycle and included various partnerships such as the Cofimvamba Science Centre Like Project, Learning Factory Initiative, YES HUB, Footwear and Leather Hub and the mLab with DSI.
During the site visit, the DHET representatives shared their perspectives on the visit.
DHET’s Mr Bhekithemba Mlambo-Chief Director: Infrastructure Support gave some perception into the visit by his team, saying that the whole purpose is to monitor the allocation made universities in general, including DUT, to ensure that the projects that are funded are progressing as reported.
“We are here to also look at the physical projects, the progress on projects that are currently going on so that we are able to match the expenditure and progress. Also, importantly to specifically look at the progress at the Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct (IEIP); a project that is spearheaded by the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Midlands Project Management Office. The aim is to check how it’s going and whether we can assist in unlocking some of the challenges that might be coming up as it is one of the ministerial projects that we are dealing with on our path,” he said.
Mr Mlambo, who was visiting the institution for the first time, was particularly impressed by what he saw.
“Normally the visits are arranged annually but we will visit more regularly at universities where issues need to be resolved. From the reports we have received there has been a good and improved progress from the end of June which is very encouraging to us. We also appreciate the broad representation from the university, in particular that the CFO could be available. We know that normally CFOs do not avail themselves. It is good to see that the DUT stakeholders work as a team. As we move forward, we will continue to engage and assist wherever we expected to assist,” he stressed.
The second DHET representative, Mr Donald Kubayi -Deputy Director: Infrastructure Support, spoke on his role which is the responsibility for administering the grant that comes to universities for all these infrastructure projects.
“So part of our role is monitoring the progress of these projects and ensuring funds that are used for the projects are approved; and to provide support together with the institution where there are challenges within communication of projects, in particular to Imbali,” he said.
Kubayi further commented that DHET likes to partner with universities and that they should not be viewed as simply to conduct inspections.
“With the partnership we work together because the main aim is to see the completion of the project so that the stakeholder who are the students and the staff are benefitting so that’s what makes us happy when the projects are complete, on time and on budget,” he added.
DHET’s Dr Xhala further relayed that their role at DUT is multi-prong-which first it is to understand the spending against the allocation.
“Secondly, it’s to understand the challenges DUT is facing in terms of their projects or what plans has DUT put in place to resolve some of those challenges. Also, to support the university with their information plan on how the university intends to implement their own projects. So, literally we are not here to be the judge in any way, it’s just to support the university in their projects,” said Dr Xhala.
DUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations, Dr Vuyo Mthethwa leads the tour with DHET representatives.
He further indicated that they are also glad that they have seen some progress in terms of some of the projects that the university has embarked on although there are some challenges.
From Open House Building, where the presentations were made, the delegation were invited to a walkabout to view all the building works that had been done at Steve Biko Campus, Ritson and ML Sultan campuses. Of highlight during the walkabout were the progress made at S Block, the Library Complex at Steve Biko, including the icon DNA Helix with a time capsule, this very much significant to ENVISION2030. Other areas visited were Blocks D, G, H and L at the Ritson Campus, Student Health Clinic and the newly, refurbished Canegrowers Hall at ML Sultan Campus.
After the visit was concluded, Dr Mthethwa relayed that the tour was well-received by the DHET delegation and she expressed sincere appreciation for the DUT participants’ collaborative approach.
Pictured: DHET representatives along with DUT delegates go on a walkabout to view one of the building works at Steve Biko Campus.
For the hearing-impaired, translation is available, go to: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QIn9K8XV1sLDwnM41tYxFfFdNxChhZC1/view?usp=sharing
Waheeda Peters
