The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Department of Student Recruitment in collaboration with uMkhomazi Circuit hosted the uMkhomazi Circuit Matric Award Ceremony, on Friday, 28 February 2020 at uMnini Thusong Service Centre, Umgababa.

The award ceremony was to recognise and acknowledge educators who did exceptionally well in producing good NSC results for the circuit.

Umkhomazi Circuit Manager: Linda Mthembu said that they are grateful to collaborate with DUT in terms of the programmes, especially the Chemistry department as they were assisting their pupils with Chemistry and Physical Science practicals. “They conduct the practicals in a professional way and they don’t even expect any money in return for their hard work,” said Mthembu.

These practical lessons are offered to local feeder high schools, this is after they are recognised that there is a knowledge gap in these subjects for leaners in high schools, prior to their enrolment in higher education.

According to Dr Sabelo Myalo from DUT’s Chemistry Department’s their community engagement with schools is a programme which started in 2017, where they were doing science awareness during the National Science Week. “We had to change our objectives and align the programme with the syllabus as we were getting numerous requests to assist with practical lessons that are part of the school-based assessment,” he said.

Mthembu further added that working with the DUT department of Student Recruitment has also been a blessing in disguise with regards to the Matric Awards. They did a great job for this event to be a success as they were able to sponsor them with certificates and trophies.

According to Alex Mdletshe, Manager for the department of Student Recruitment, last year (2019) the university was also invited to the same event. DUT’s contribution to the event the previous year has led to the university being invited again in 2020. “Last year I was invited to the same awards and I made a commitment that this year we will also contribute to this circuit for this event to be successful. Trophies and certificates were part of what we contributed as DUT, and as an institution we will try by all means to contribute as much as we can to bring change in our society,” he said.

Mthembu also said that he was looking forward to working with DUT in the near future to improve the society.

Thulasizwe Mzobe, a Maths and Science teacher, who was awarded the most dedicated teacher and other numerous awards said, “I feel happy for all these awards as they encourage me to do more as a teacher and I also thank DUT and others who have contributed to making such a day a success.”

Pictured: DUT staff, Umkhomazi Circuit Manager and Umkhomazi Circuit educators.

Nomkhuleko Thutshini