The Durban University of Technology (DUT) in partnership with the Centre for the Advancement of Science and Mathematics Education (CASME) recently handed over 1000 face shields to various schools in KwaZulu-Natal, to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

About 30 schools received this generous donation of 3D printed face shields designed and manufactured by several staff and students from the Department of Information Technology and Mechanical Engineering at DUT. The face shields are produced at the University’s Luban Workshop at the Ritson Campus in Durban.

Some of the schools that have thus far received the 3D face shields are Nqabakazulu Comprehensive High at KwaMashu, Lamontville Secondary, Umbilo Secondary, Wentworth Secondary, Merebank Secondary, Crossmoor Secondary in Chatsworth, Missio Dei Christian School in Verulam along with 10 schools in the Zululand District.

This donation is part of DUT’s initiative to help curb the spread of COVID-19 and to encourage people to continue adhering to the health guidelines even during level 1 lockdown.

The project leader, Ebrahim Asmal, a Senior Lecturer at DUT’s Department of IT said to date, about 6 000 3D face shields have been donated to many doctors, hospitals, clinics, organisations, old age homes, the South African Police Service, front line emergency staff, feeding schemes and schools.

“The Luban Workshop at DUT has been commissioned since the inception of the lockdown to help government in the fight against COVID-19, embarking on a number of projects to help communities around KwaZulu-Natal. The face shields manufacture and distribution is an ongoing process in the fight against this pandemic, to ensure that our educators and learners have some sort of protection against the virus. DUT as part of its DNA, is committed to helping communities in these trying times,” said Asmal.

He said the distribution of the 1000 face shields started last month (August) and they plan to continue distributing them at other schools in the province.

Razia Tawakala from CASME said they are grateful to DUT for the donation and the schools received the face shields with great excitement.

DUT’s Community Engagement Practitioner, Phumzile Xulu thanked Asmal and his team at the Luban Workshop for their hard work and support with the 3D face shields.

Xulu said last week, as part of the Recruitment, Marketing, and Community Engagement drive, DUT also distributed 250 face shields to 10 schools in the Mahlabathini area. She said the face shields were a big hit and the schools appreciated the donation.

Pictured: Pupils from Siyangempumelelo High School are ecstatic after receiving 3D face shields from DUT.

Simangele Zuma