The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Financial Aid unit in collaboration with First National Bank (FNB), recently hosted a highly impactful Financial Literacy Workshop, followed by a certificate handover ceremony at the Financial Aid offices, Steve Biko Campus. The initiative, which ran over three days, was designed to empower students with the critical skills needed to manage their finances effectively.
The workshop, facilitated by Mr Senzo Myeni from FNB, covered a wide range of practical financial topics including budgeting, saving, investing, managing credit, and making informed financial decisions. These life skills are essential not only for students during their academic journey but also as they prepare for the financial responsibilities of adulthood and professional life.
In her welcoming remarks, Financial Aid Counsellor, Ms Zandile Ngubelanga, congratulated the students and highlighted the long-term impact of the training.
“By attending this workshop, you have taken an important step forward towards gaining practical knowledge in key areas such as understanding my money, growing my money, and managing credit. These are skills that will benefit you well beyond your academic years. Today, we celebrate not only the completion of this programme but also your commitment to building stronger, smarter financial futures,” shared Ms Ngubelanga.
Representing FNB, Mr Myeni inspired students with a powerful message about the importance of financial literacy. He explained that FNB’s purpose goes beyond marketing or signing up clients, and that the bank is deeply committed to empowering young people to make wise financial choices.
“We are celebrating more than just the end of a course, we also celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. Money is a powerful tool, and it can either control us or empower us. The difference lies in the choices we make. Good financial decisions build freedom and opportunity, while poor ones can create stress and dependency. Financial literacy is not about getting rich, it is about creating a secure and sustainable future for ourselves, our families, and our communities,” Mr Myeni explained.
He further encouraged students to make everyday money choices carefully from how they budget for food and entertainment, to how they save for long-term goals and reminded them that the sustainable futures they envision begin with the financial decisions they make today.
Xoliso Dlamini received a tablet for her testimonial.
The event also featured heartfelt student testimonials, where participants reflected on the knowledge they had gained and the confidence it had given them in managing their finances. Xoliso Dlamini, a third-year Diploma in Marketing student who received a tablet for her outstanding testimonial, expressed her gratitude.
“I would like to sincerely thank DUT and FNB for making this short course possible. The workshop has opened my eyes to the importance of managing money wisely. I now feel more confident about budgeting, saving, and planning for the future. These lessons will stay with me for life, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity,” she said.
The ceremony closed on a celebratory note, with certificates awarded to all participating students as recognition of their effort, participation, and dedication to learning. Both DUT and FNB reaffirmed their commitment to continue equipping students with financial literacy skills, ensuring that they are empowered to make informed financial decisions and contribute positively to society.
The initiative not only marked the end of a successful programme but also laid the foundation for a generation of financially informed and empowered graduates.
Pictured: DUT sudents receiving their certificates after completing FNB short course.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.
Sinamile Sithole
