The Durban University of Technology (DUT) won four awards, one gold and three bronze awards at the annual Marketing, Advancement and Communication in Education (MACE) Excellence Awards held in Johannesburg on Thursday, 13 November 2025.
This remarkable achievement has further solidified DUT’s commitment to excellence, groundbreaking research, societal impact and innovation, as enshrined in its ENVISION2030 strategy.
The gold award was handed over to the DUT Communication’s team for the DUT Excellence 2025 (Semester 1) publication, after being announced as the Category Winner in the Printed: Internal magazines and newsletters category. The DUT Alumni Relations and Advancement Unit received bronze awards for the DUT Connect Magazine and for a stakeholder engagement campaign. The DUT Connect Magazine won two bronze awards under the Alumni campaigns category and the Printed: Internal magazines and newsletters, meanwhile, the Valentine’s Movie Night was recognised under the Stakeholder Engagement category.
Sharing his congratulatory remarks, the Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at DUT, Mr Alan Khan said: “Congratulations to our incredible team on winning four MACE Awards. I am immensely proud of the creative, distinctive and impactful work that has been recognised on a national stage. The team’s continued dedication to strengthening the DUT brand and their firm commitment to the values and principles of ENVISION2030, show exactly who we are as a university. Thank you for investing your time, skill and passion into the work that radiates excellence and reflects the very best of DUT.”
The newly appointed Communications Manager at DUT, Mr Tiyani Mboweni, shared similar sentiments. “As the new Communications Manager at DUT, I’m incredibly proud of our team for earning a Gold Award at the MACE Conference. I have joined a group of individuals who are truly passionate and committed to their work and this achievement reflects their dedication long before I arrived. I’m grateful for their warm welcome and inspired by their excellence. Congratulations to the team on this well-deserved honour,” said Mr Mboweni.
DUT Excellence Editor and Publications Officer, Mrs Waheeda Peters with the MACE Gold Award.
Excited about winning the Gold MACE Award, the DUT Excellence Editor and Publications Officer, Mrs Waheeda Peters said: “This Gold win for the DUT EXCELLENCE-Semester 1 showcases the sterling work done by the Communications team which highlights the essence of teamwork, hard work and dedication in producing such a high calibre, biannual publication. Our aim is to continue in the path of producing excellent publications, which espouse the living values and principles of DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy.”
The Director of the Advancement and Alumni Relations Unit at DUT, Mr Zwakele Ngubane, said they are proud to have been honoured with three MACE Excellence Awards, two for their flagship publication, DUT Connect Magazine and one for their creative engagement initiative, the Valentine’s Movie Night.
“These awards recognise our commitment to excellence, innovation and building meaningful connections with our alumni, students, staff and broader DUT community. DUT Connect Magazine continues to serve as a vital platform for sharing inspiring stories of DUT’s people and impact, while the Valentine’s Movie Night showcased our dedication to creating memorable experiences that strengthen bonds and foster a sense of belonging. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our team, in particular, Ms Ronelle Lyson, the Alumni Relations Coordinator, alumni and partners whose support and collaboration made these achievements possible. Winning these awards affirms our vision to advance DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy through engagement, creativity and excellence and motivates us to continue delivering initiatives that celebrate our vibrant community,” reiterated Mr Ngubane.
Ms Ronelle Lyson, the Alumni Relations Coordinator, whose projects were recognised with three MACE Awards, was beaming with joy. “This achievement is a proud moment and a testament to the hard work and purpose that drives each initiative. It also aligns strongly with DUT’s ENVISION2030, as these projects contributed to a people-centred, innovative and an impactful future. I am grateful to see my work advancing DUT’s vision and elevating our institution on a national stage,” shared Ms Lyson.
To read the award-winning publication, go to:
https://www.dut.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/corporate%20affairs/DUTExcellenceS1_2025/index.html
Pictured: The DUT Corporate Affairs team, Mr Nkululeko Mbatha, Mr Alex Mdletshe, Mr Tiyani Mboweni and Mr Liam Rehman excited after accepting the four MACE Awards.
Simangele Zuma
