A group of Durban University of Technology (DUT) female staff were amongst the 12 000 people, mostly women who took part in the annual Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge 2025 this past Sunday, 22 June 2025.

This exciting race celebrating 35 years under the theme: #Twenty20Thrive, brought together women from all ages, shapes and fitness levels. The participants hit the road in high spirits, running and walking through Durban’s scenic promenade, with the route ending at the King’s Park Stadium outer fields.

DUT participants led by their mascot Zazu were seen from a distance in their bright orange branded hats and socks, a

DUT participants and Zazu gathering at Steve Biko campus before participating in the SPAR Women’s Challenge.

visual celebration of DUT’s 21st anniversary and wellness. Some of the ladies also wore bright tutus in celebration of DUT’s movement of supporting staff efforts in taking care of their wellbeing.

Providing insight on this initiative, Mr Bhekuyise Skhakhane, Employee Relations and Wellness Coordinator in the Human Capital Services shared that DUT Employee Wellness attended the race to support approximately 60 female staff members.

“We came here for the Spar Women’s Challenge, which was all about wellness, wellbeing and keeping up with our fitness. Our aim was to encourage staff to take care of their wellbeing by including running or walking in their routines. We were happy to see the DUT staff participating in the 10km and 5km races, supporting this great initiative. We believe a healthy body leads to a healthy mind, resulting to more productivity. We want to make DUT a healthy and happy place for staff,” said Mr Skhakhane.

He thanked the HCS team and DUT management for their ongoing support of wellness initiatives, encouraging all staff to actively participate in similar events to promote good health. Mr Skhakhane also emphasised the importance of personal responsibility in health and wellness saying it was DUT’s staff responsibility to take care of their health. He encouraged staff members to make use of the staff gym and to commit to a healthier life.

Ms Sushi Moodley and Ms Ronelle Lyson with Zazu during the race.

Among the enthusiastic participants was Ms Sushi Moodley who spoke jubilantly about her experience and particularly the tutus worn by some of the DUT ladies.

“The common purpose was to stand out, show DUT’s brand, to look different, and to be noticed. I think we were very impressive in our aesthetic look and feel for the SPAR 5km and 10km walks. Even Zazu, DUT’s beloved mascot was dressed in a tutu, posing for countless photos. Zazu became a walking celebrity and also got a medal! It was all about having fun, standing out and celebrating DUT,” shared Moodley.

Ms Ronelle Lyson who also walked the 5km shared her excitement saying: “It was such a fun and an uplifting experience. Walking alongside our DUT mascot, Zazu, made it even more special, everywhere we went, people were shouting ‘This is DUT!’ It really filled me with pride and reminded me of the strong sense of community we have at DUT.”

This event was co-organised with Ms Nokuthula Hlengwa in recognition of Women’s Month. DUT women’s participation in the SPAR Women’s Challenge sets the tone for continued engagements and celebration of women in August 2025.

Pictured: DUT staff members and Zazu excited after completing the SPAR Women’s Challenge.

Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini

Simangele Zuma/Waheeda Peters