More than 40 DUT alumni, families and friends took to the road on Saturday, 29 August 2026, for a Midlands outing that combined adventure, reconnecting with the DUT community and supporting student welfare.
Hosted by the DUT Advancement & Alumni Relations Unit (AARU) in partnership with Saffron Tours, the DUT Alumni Midlands Bus Trip was also a fundraising initiative for the DUT Meals 4 Good Programme, with proceeds from ticket sales contributing towards efforts to address student hunger.
The outing provided alumni with an opportunity to reconnect with fellow graduates and friends of the university while exploring some of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands’ well-known attractions.
Departing from Durban, the group’s first stop was Howick Falls, where participants took in the scenery, captured photographs and enjoyed time together before continuing to Piggly Wiggly Country Village.
At Piggly Wiggly, alumni and guests explored the various shops, attractions and local offerings before continuing their journey to Pietermaritzburg, where the day concluded at Golden Horse Casino.
While the destinations formed an important part of the experience, the opportunity to reconnect was equally significant. Alumni shared stories, caught up with former classmates and met other members of the wider DUT community, with families and friends adding to the relaxed atmosphere of the day.
For AARU, the outing reflects the university’s continued efforts to strengthen relationships with its alumni and create opportunities for them to remain engaged with DUT beyond graduation.
The fundraising element also provided participants with an opportunity to contribute to the university in a practical way. Through the DUT Meals 4 Good Programme, the initiative supports efforts to provide food assistance to students experiencing food insecurity.
The DUT Alumni Midlands Bus Trip therefore brought together two important aspects of the university’s alumni relations work: keeping alumni connected to one another and creating opportunities for them to contribute to the university community.
For those who took part, it was a day of travel, conversation and shared experiences, with the added knowledge that their participation was contributing towards a cause that directly affects DUT students.
The outing ended on a positive note, but the connection between DUT and its alumni continues long after the journey home.
Pictured: DUT alumni, families and friends enjoy a Midlands outing.
Swelihle Shoba
