In accordance to the apt words said by the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu, who shared in his message to the adaptive graduates about creativity and innovation that shapes adaptive graduates who transform society. “Education is not only about what you know, but about how you use that knowledge-with responsibility, integrity and purpose. As our adaptive graduates, you carry the responsibility to contribute towards the improvement of the lives and livelihoods of our broader society,” he explained.
In keeping with the strong emphasis on general education for critical thinking, and a focus on applied learning to address real-world challenges, DUT graduates are focusing these ground-breaking research which encapsulates such topics. Three PhD graduates, Dr Patrick Matebjane Moshabane, Dr Emmanuel Nkosinathi Sesha and Dr Sindiswe Silempa were conferred with their PhD degrees in Education at the graduation ceremony held at Indumiso Campus Hall in Pietermaritzburg on Monday, 11 May 2026.
The trio’s research they had embarked on for their PhDs encapsulated the focus on general education and how they aim to transform the lives and livelihoods in society and beyond.
Dr Moshabane focused his dissertation on curriculum change management in secondary schools which remain a challenge to curriculum implementers, due to resource constraints, inadequate support and lack of training. His study aimed at investigating the management of curriculum change by curriculum implementers in the secondary school of Mogodumo cluster in Limpopo province.
“The study recommends adequate school provisioning, support and training curriculum implementers on a new curriculum. Furthermore, teachers recognition programmes and celebration of achievements should be implemented and curriculum implementers should be engaged in curriculum design and reform,” he said.
Whilst Dr Seshea’s dissertation research focused on map work, a fundamental component of the Social Science curriculum in South African schools. “It develops essential spatial thinking and awareness and forms a foundation to learning Geographical Informations Systems (GIS).
“Despite its importance, mapwork remains a challenging area for many teachers at senior primary level, resulting in many learners demonstrating poor competence in map literacy,” he said. His study examines how Heads of Department (Hods) support Grade eight and nine Social Science teachers in teaching map work in the uMgungundlovu District.
His findings indicate that despite contextual constraints HODs played a critical role in providing curriculum guidance, monitoring classroom practice and facilitating professional teacher learning opportunities.
Dr Silempa in her study focused on introducing a state of preparedness model, serving as a strategic framework aimed at enhancing infrastructure, digital literacy, policy implementation and institutional support systems.
Prof Mthembu summarised that as adaptive graduates, when they step into the world, they need to remember that their responsibility is as great as their opportunity: to challenge the status quo, to build bridges where there are divides and to contribute to a future that reflects the best of what education can offer.
“DUT’s legacy is now in your hands. Carry it boldly and leave your mark in ways that matter. The future will not be built by words alone. It will be built by people who are willing to take responsibility, to act and to lead. And today, that responsibility rests with you,” he concluded.
The celebrations which commenced at the Indumiso Campus Hall in Pietermaritzburg from Monday, 11 May 2026, will continue until Wednesday, 13 May 2026, before moving to the Olive Convention Centre in Durban from Monday, 18 May to Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
Pictured: Left to Right: Dr Patrick Matebjane Moshabane, Dr Emmanuel Nkosinathi Sesha and Dr Sindiswe Silempa, at the graduation ceremony held at Indumiso Campus Hall.
Waheeda Peters
