Dr Themba Msukwini leaves the Durban University of Technology (DUT) after a career marked by a commitment to connecting students with the world of work, strengthening industry partnerships and expanding opportunities for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL).
His contribution was recognised at the recently held World of Work Gala Dinner, where Dr Msukwini received a standing ovation from the DUT community and industry leaders in attendance. The recognition came shortly before he concluded his employment at the University on 31 August 2026.
The evening provided a fitting reflection on a career centred on creating opportunities for DUT students to gain meaningful workplace experience, develop professional networks and prepare for the transition from higher education into employment.
Held on 19 August 2026 at The Station Urban Event Space in Durban, the World of Work Gala Dinner brought together students, industry partners and key stakeholders to celebrate partnerships and initiatives aimed at preparing young people for the world of work.
During the evening, Mr Thamsanqa Maqubela, Chief Executive Officer of the South African Council for Graduates (SACGRA), presented Youth Employment Awards in the University of Technology and Director of Co-operative Education categories to DUT and Dr Msukwini respectively.
The recognition reflected Dr Msukwini’s contribution to advancing the University’s Co-operative Education agenda and strengthening the relationship between DUT and the workplace.
One of the most significant measures of this contribution is the funding secured to support student workplace learning. In his resignation letter, Dr Msukwini noted that the Co-operative Education and External Engagement Unit had secured R333,374,390 in SETA funding to support DUT learners through workplace training and related initiatives.
Among the partnerships associated with this work is DUT’s relationship with the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA). At the Gala Dinner, Dr Zena Richards, Director in the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, highlighted that the relationship dates back to the first SETA funding application submitted by the Co-operative Education Unit under Dr Msukwini’s leadership.
Since then, CHIETA has approved millions of rands in funding to support stipends for DUT students undertaking workplace training. The support has helped address financial barriers while enabling students to gain practical experience as part of their education.
For Dr Msukwini, however, Co-operative Education was about more than funding. It was about building relationships between DUT and organisations that could give students opportunities to learn, develop professional skills and gain experience beyond the classroom.
That focus remained evident throughout 2026 through DUT’s World of Work programme, including the WoW Career Fair and the World of Skills held in August. These initiatives continued the University’s efforts to connect students with industry while equipping them with practical skills and knowledge to navigate the world of work.
The importance of this relationship between higher education and industry was highlighted by Advocate Vasanti Srineevassan, Human Resource Executive at Lion Match Group Products, who delivered the keynote address at the Gala Dinner.
“Our relationship with DUT has been built on shared values: a commitment to excellence, practical learning, innovation, and the development of young people who will become the workforce and leaders of tomorrow. Together, we recognise that bridging the gap between academic learning and the realities of the workplace is more important today than ever before,” said Advocate Srineevassan.
The remarks speak directly to the space Dr Msukwini has occupied throughout his work at DUT, helping to bridge the gap between academic learning and the realities of the workplace while creating opportunities for students to develop professionally.
His academic work has also been closely aligned with his professional contribution to WIL. Dr Msukwini holds a Doctor of Management Sciences in Human Resource Management from DUT, with his doctoral research focusing on human resource capacity for supporting WIL at a University of Technology. The research was subsequently developed into a book, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing WIL both academically and in practice.
While acknowledging the operational challenges faced by the Co-operative Education and External Engagement Unit, Dr Msukwini also recognised the commitment of his team to fulfilling its mandate. At the Gala Dinner, he acknowledged members of his team from the Durban and Midlands campuses for their dedication and contribution to the Unit’s work.
As he begins his next chapter, Dr Msukwini plans to pursue his interest in farming. He has also committed to creating training opportunities for DUT students through his new venture, providing another avenue through which his relationship with the University and its students can continue.
In his resignation letter, Dr Msukwini described his departure as an opportunity to “write the next chapter of my life”, while making it clear that his connection with DUT would continue.
“My relationship with DUT will not terminate,” he said.
His departure therefore represents more than the conclusion of an employment chapter. It marks the next stage of a legacy built around student opportunity, workplace learning, industry engagement and the belief that meaningful partnerships can help transform the journey from university into the world of work.
The standing ovation at the World of Work Gala Dinner was a fitting acknowledgement of that legacy, and of a career dedicated to creating pathways for DUT students to move confidently from the classroom into the workplace.
Pictured: Mr Thamsanqa Maqubela, Chief Executive Officer of the South African Council for Graduates (SACGRA) presenting the Director of Co-operative Education Award to Dr Themba Msukwini who was accompanied by his wife Mrs Msukwini.
Photographer:S’bonelo Dlamini.
Tiyani Mboweni
