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DUT Bids Farewell To Registrar, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa

DUT Bids Farewell To Registrar, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa

It was a sad night for colleagues at the Durban University of Technology as they bid farewell to the University’s Registrar, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, who announced she was leaving DUT to join UNISA to continue her love and passion for research.

DUT colleagues and family members honoured Prof Meyiwa during her farewell dinner which was held on Wednesday, 30 May 2018, at the DUT Hotel School Conference Centre.

Prof Meyiwa has served as the University Registrar at DUT since 2014. Under her leadership, DUT’s online registration increased tremendously, the result of which ensured the University’s enrolment targets were met despite the 2018 staff strike.

Her leadership skills and spirituality are the two outstanding qualities which staff members have indicated is what had made her unique. “I have known Prof Meyiwa for over nine years and your season with DUT has now ended but it is now time for you to start your new season. It is time to also celebrate what you have contributed to DUT, especially the work you have put in towards the governing structure at the University and student-centredness. I know you will do us proud and be the best research professor at Unisa,” said DUT’s Revd. Dr Delysia Norelle Timm.

Also giving a speech at the dinner was DUT Deputy Registrar, Dr Thiru Pillay, who shared some reflection on Prof Meyiwa’s time at DUT.

“What makes her different is her admirable, leadership qualities. I have been around for many years at DUT and what strikes me most about her is her natural kindness, as well as her style of chairing which is quite unique. Her spiritual nature is that which makes her exude fairness, calmness and sympathy for others. She has done a wonderful job as a Registrar and we, at the Registrar office, thank her for her contributions,” he said.

Reiterating that her leadership skills and spirituality qualities are unique, was DUT’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Thandwa Mthembu, “She has contributed a lot to various transformation projects, taking on the challenge of student services and trying to consolidate that. She had to ‘walk the talk’ and she did it with great ease. Her calm demeanor was very comforting to both staff and students,” he added.

Concluding the night was Prof Meyiwa, who thanked the VC and her colleagues for their friendships. “I leave with a heavy heart. I thank the council who have also groomed me to where I am, and I thank the Registrar’s office and all those colleagues have given me so much of support, I cannot say thank you all enough,” she said.

The dinner concluded with a toast by Mr Alan Khan, Senior Director: Corporate Affairs and a scrumptious, plated dinner and entertainment.

Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa is a National Research Foundation (NRF) rated scholar with extensive experience in Higher Education. Upon her appointment at DUT in October 2014, she was employed by the Human Sciences Research Council as a Research Director.

Prof Meyiwa holds several tertiary qualifications, such as a Masters of Commerce Degree in Organisational and Systems Management from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, a three year teaching Diploma from the former Indumiso College of Education (DUT), a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Zululand, A Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree from the University of Natal and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from the University of Natal. She has presented over 30 conference papers and mentored over 40 PhD and Master’s students. She is a member of various community, civil society organisations such as the Rural Women’s Movement where she is the Advisory Board Member, South African National Heraldry Council where she serves as the Chairperson, to name but a few.

Pictured: Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa

Waheeda Peters

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