The Student Recruitment unit at Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted a team building event for educators from Sibusisiwe Comprehensive Technical High School in Mbumbulu. The event took place at the To Strand Beach Resort in Port Edward from Saturday, 12 July to Sunday, 13 July 2025 which was facilitated by ZuriXtrain.

The aim of the team building was to express appreciation to Sibusisiwe Comp Tech High School as DUT’s 2025 top feeder school, and to strengthen and build a long-lasting relationship with them, while also motivating educators to continue excelling and producing outstanding results. Sibusisiwe Comp Tech has been a consistent and loyal feeder school to DUT, standing by the institution even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Alex Mdletshe, Manager of the Student Recruitment unit, began by acknowledging the educators for their availability to attend the team-building event. He shared that DUT annually recognises top-performing feeder schools, and Sibusisiwe Comp Tech High School had consistently been one of the top feeders to the university for several years.

Mr Mdletshe said: “We hope our relationship with Sibusisiwe Comprehensive Technical High School continues to thrive. By instilling DUT’s living values in learners while they are still in high school, we aim to equip them with the skills to overcome university challenges. This involves not just learners, but also educators, who will play a crucial role in guiding them to embody these values and behaviors.”

DUT Student Recruitment officer and project leader, Mr Michael Zulu, shared details about a programme called Social Cohesion, which they are involved in with Empangeni High School. The programme features a tournament that brings together different types of schools, ranging from Quintile 1 to 5, as well as private schools and those that are less fortunate. Mr Zulu mentioned that the tournament was introduced in 2023. With an aim of bringing different communities together and contribute towards nation building.

“The investment was doubled in 2024 for the same programme. In 2025, we realised that schools faced budgetary challenges and decided to give out a once of cash prize in all categories as an engaged institution,” Mr Zulu explained.

Mr Zulu emphasised that DUT does not just produce graduates, but it produces adaptive graduates who are Creative, Distinctive, and Impactful. Graduates who also contribute positively to their region, country and the world.

“We are grateful for the fact that, we are always welcomed by the school to speak to grade 12 learners,” said Zulu.

Deputy Principal, Mr Nkosi Ngubane, shared that being in this environment has enabled educators to refresh, strategise, and recharge, allowing them to return to learners stronger and drive continued excellence in performance. He also expressed gratitude to DUT for recognising the school’s hard work and dedication, stating that they remain committed to being a top feeder school, despite the presence of competitors.

“Sibusisiwe Comp Tech has been among the top five schools in South Africa for producing Bachelor’s passes. In our school, educators put much effort into empowering and changing the lives of learners for the better, while also uplifting the dignity of the Mbumbulu community, to ensure we remain a school that strives for excellence. Working with DUT will keep motivating our educators to have one purpose: to change the lives of all learners,” Mr Ngubane added.

Sibusisiwe Comp Tech High School teachers kayaking during the team building.

The team building activity featured various games, including kayaking and archery, which were facilitated by well trained instructors. While kayaking was extremely challenging for many educators, everyone was eager to face their fears. This activity raises some themes such as fostering collaboration, building trust, and promoting strong communication, as well as enhancing physical and mental well being. In the archery game, educators had to demonstrate focus, strategic thinking, and patience before taking aim.

During the post game reflections, Sibusisiwe Comp Tech High Educator, Mrs Thobeka Mkhize shared that building trust and communicating effectively with her partner were key takeaways from the activities. She appreciated the opportunity to step out of the school environment and work with fellow educators, highlighting the value of outdoor team building experiences. Mrs Mkhize found that confronting her fears was a transformative experience, teaching her that with determination, anything is doable.

DUT Student Recruitment team and the facilitators agreed on three educators who displayed impressive social skills, engagement levels and participated in every challenge with enthusiasm while encouraging others. Although every educator was highly engaging, the following three stood out for their outstanding contributions: Mr Nkosi Ngubane, Mrs Thembi Zungu, and Mr Nhlakanipho Mothukwa

The educators from Sibusisiwe Comp Tech were absolutely thrilled with the team building event hosted by DUT. They expressed their sincere gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity, restating their commitment to remaining a top feeder school to DUT. They also emphasised that this team building experience was not just about educators, it was also about preparing themselves to be strong role models and supporters for their learners.

Pictured: Excitement filled the air as the DUT Student Recruitment team connected with Sibusisiwe Comp Tech High School educators at To Strand.

Photographer: Kai Vilakazi.

Phiwayinkosi Sibiya