The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is committed to creating meaningful connections between the university and the community – and the upcoming Valentine’s Movie Night is a perfect example of this initiative.

In celebration of the month of love, the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office at DUT will host a romantic movie screening, at Suncoast Cine Centre, Suncoast Casino, on Friday, 28 February 2025, starting at 17:00.

The film featured will be Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, a delightful romantic comedy starring the talented Renée Zellweger, as she navigates life and love in her unique, endearing way.

Tickets are priced at R150 per person, which includes complimentary popcorn, a drink, a sweet treat and a selection of self-care products, ensuring an enjoyable and memorable evening for those who will be attending.

Commenting  on how does such an event intertwines with the role of Alumni Relations in terms of the ENVISION2030 strategy was Mr Zwakele Ngubane, Director: Advancement and Alumni Relations.  He highlighted that the Valentine’s Movie Night event is designed to bring people together and thus foster a sense of belong among staff and alumni.

“The stewardship perspective of ENVISION2030 requires that we, inter alia, live our values and principles and as such, this event gives expression to this objective,” he shared.

Speaking further on the role of the  Advancement and Alumni Relations Office was DUT Alumni Relations Coordinator, Ms Ronelle Lyson.  She explained that Alumni Relations plays a crucial role in hosting a fundraising event like a movie night in several key ways such as building connections in the DUT community, strengthening alumni engagement between alumni and their alma mater. This is also a non-traditional fundraising approach which has led to creating a positive tradition-this being the second Valentines Movie Night being hosted,” she said.

In terms of the proceeds, she shared that it will be used towards the AlumBiz Fund which is a financial initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and supporting business ventures of DUT alumni.

“This fund seeks to create a strong network that encourages collaboration, innovation, and economic growth among DUT alumni, while also strengthening the ties between the alumni community and their alma mater,” she said.

Ms Lyson further delved into the responses received from the DUT community, which she indicated, had been astounding, especially from students who have purchased tickets to attend.

“I encourage the DUT community to support events like this as proceeds are all streamed to a worthy cause, the event is affordable and accessible and is a perfect way to reunite and reconnect,” she shared.

For enquiries on the romantic movie night, contact ronellel@dut.ac.za.

Pictured: DUT interns, Swelihle Shoba, Nobuhle Mkhize and Sakhile Sithole are all set for movie night.

Waheeda Peters