To recognise the outstanding achievements of its staff and students who are committed to improving lives and livelihoods through excellence in learning and teaching, innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal impact, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) successfully hosted the 2025 ENVISION2030 Institutional Awards at The Capital Zimbali Resort in Ballito on Friday, 28 November 2025.
The Programme Director for this prestigious event was Mr Alan Khan, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at DUT. He indicated that the institutional awards were held to acknowledge extraordinary people who drive DUT forward, those who live the values and principles of ENVISION2030.
“It has been another creative, distinctive and impactful year for our university. Over the past few weeks, DUT has continued to radiate excellence. Two of our exceptional students won silver and bronze medals at the global GISU 2025 Urban Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, the very first time this international competition was hosted in Africa for the first time, proudly by DUT. Our talented team from the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics achieved a Silver Medal and the highest score among all international teams at the BRICS Data Analysis and Visualisation Finals in China,” shared Mr Khan
He further shared that DUT collaborated with Lenovo Southern Africa, the Moses Kotane Research Institute and others to launch RoboGirl 2025, empowering 80 young women with skills in drone technology and future-focused careers in STEM. He highlighted that DUT excelled at the 2025 MACE Awards in Johannesburg, winning four national awards, including a Gold Award for the DUT EXCELLENCE publication, officially ranked the best in South Africa.
The Director of Special Projects in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Dr Matheakuena Mohale, welcomed attendees who have demonstrated exemplary contributions to society and the improvement of communities.
Sharing his welcome message, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu thanked all attendees for attending the prestigious awards ceremony, especially the DUT Council, also sharing a message of apology from the Chair of Council, Mr Wiseman Madinande, who was not able to attend the function due to another engagement.
Prof Mthembu explained that the 2025 ENVISION2030 Institutional Awards acknowledge and honours the accomplishments of individuals and groups, society and adaptive graduates who uphold the fundamental principles of the institution and make substantial contributions to its success and progress. He relayed that the 2025 ENVISION2030 Institutional Awards celebrate exceptional performance and achievements that contribute to DUT’s purpose and strategy.
He further spoke of the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI, a government programme which is led by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF).
He indicated that SARChl aims to strengthen and retain South Africa’s research excellence and innovation at public universities, and it was vital, especially at DUT.
“It’s possible that from a very small space like DUT we would begin to see changes in the betterment of our lives. We have young, academic leaders and we would be proud to see them running this country and that is what we espouse with our values and principles,” he said.
This year’s institutional awards were divided into six categories namely the Student Academic and Leadership Excellence Awards awarded by the Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane, Research, Innovation and Engagement Awards which were awarded by Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement and the Learning and Teaching Awards which were awarded by Professor Vusi Gumede, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning. Awarding the last three categories namely; Vice-Chancellor’s Awards, Council Awards and Chancellor’s Awards was the DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Mthembu.
Click on the link below to see the full list of winners:
https://www.dut.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Award-Winners.pdf
Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Prof Saheed Sabiu, was recognised for his research excellence and exemplary behaviour aligned with the institution’s values. He obtained the Research, Innovation, and Engagement Award under the category: Research Excellence Award: Established Researcher (PLATINUM).
“I felt highly elated and humbled. This was particularly so as it recognises my high-quality research as an established researcher. Winning the award consecutively for the third time in a row is not just heart-warming but signifies yet another significant milestone that motivates me to continue on the path of academic excellence while mentoring the next generation of scholars.
The award is dedicated to my students and particularly, the members of Computational and Systems Biology Research Group, who have contributed in no small measure to this remarkable achievement. Equally acknowledged are my collaborators for providing complementary support on our projects, while not forgetting the funders for supporting our research initiatives,” he expressed jubilantly.
Dr Thulile Mofokeng, an academic from the Entrepreneurship Studies and Management, was humbled to have received two Platinum Awards, one for Innovative Instructional Leader, and the other for Engaged University, which she gratefully shares with Ms Nonhlanhla Mdakane. “This recognition feels beautifully unexpected. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all my students for trusting me enough to co-create meaningful learning experiences with them,” she expressed.
Dr Riona Indhur, biotechnologist and postdoctoral research fellow at the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), said she was deeply honoured to receive the Platinum Student Research Excellence Award, under Research, Innovation and Engagement.
“This recognition holds immense meaning for me, as it reflects not only my own hard work and dedication, but also the invaluable guidance of my supervisors and the unwavering support of my friends and family. I am proud to belong to an institution that continually champions innovation, sustainability, and community-centred science. This award strengthens my commitment to advancing the field of water research and contributing meaningfully to ENVISION2030. To be honest, winning a Platinum award still feels a little surreal. I’m certain that my younger self, with her first microscope, would be screaming right now,” she shared happily.
Mr Samuel Ntsanwisi, a lecturer in the Department of Video Technology was excited after scooping two awards, the Innovative Instructional Leader Award (Platinum) and the Innovative Curricula Award (Gold) under the Learning and Teaching Awards category.
“I am very humbled to have received two awards in Learning and Teaching. It is humbling when you get these types of awards because it’s not what we put at the front, we put students first, focusing on teaching and encouraging them. These awards have motivated me to continue striving for excellence in all I do,” shared Mr Ntsanwisi.
The Senior Director of Human Capital Services at DUT, Mr Victor Mothobi led the prize-giving session where he engaged with the guests about the DUT Living Values.
Delivering the closing remarks was the vibrant DUT Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane who got the guests on their feet dancing and celebrating DUT excellence. He commended all the distinguished guests for gracing the event and the winners for their efforts in achieving the objectives of the ENVISION2030 strategy.
Pictured: Some of the winners at the ENVISION2030 Institutional Awards.
Simangele Zuma/Waheeda Peters
