Preparations are in full swing for the 2025 Durban University of Technology (DUT) Living Values and Remember and Give (RAG) event, which will take place on Saturday, 27 September 2025. The annual celebration, hosted by DUT’s Student Governance and Development continues to play a vital role in embedding DUT’s ENVISION2030 Living Values while promoting the spirit of giving, unity, and compassion within the university community.
As part of the build-up to the main event, DUT students living values champions together with student governance and development unit conducted a two-day campus activation. On Tuesday, 9 September 2025 and 10 September 2025. On 9 September 2025, the activations took place at DUT’s Midlands campuses Indumiso and Riverside where students were encouraged to embrace the university’s living values and introduced to the fundamental values behind the RAG initiative. The following day, Wednesday, 10 September 2025, the activation moved to Durban campuses, drawing in hundreds of enthusiastic students.
During these activations, students were gifted items to assist them in their academic journey. These thoughtful giveaways served not only as practical study support but also as a symbolic gesture to reinforce DUT’s culture of care and compassion, reminding students that they are part of a community that is committed to their success both inside and outside the classroom.
The RAG tradition at DUT has grown steadily since its launch in 2023. What began as a fun-filled initiative aimed at integrating first-year students into the DUT community has now become a campus-wide movement that embodies both student engagement and holistic support. The event provides a space where students enjoy themselves through diverse activities while actively participating in fundraising drives to support DUT’s social responsibility projects.
According to Student Development Officer, Ms Thokozani Sibiya, the upcoming 2025 edition is once again aligned with DUT’s holistic student experience approach.
“RAG is more than just an event. It is about cultivating a culture of compassion and giving within the DUT community. It encourages students to be part of something greater than themselves, reminding them that Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu. By giving back, we create a ripple effect of kindness and support that strengthens the DUT family,” she explained.
Students have also welcomed the initiative with excitement. Noluthando Ngubane, a second-year Bachelor of Education student, said she was impressed by the activations and is looking forward to the main event.
“I really appreciate this initiative because it shows that DUT cares about our well-being beyond academics. The gifts we received will definitely help with my studies, and I am inspired by the culture of giving back. I will definitely be at the Remember and Give event on 27 September 2025,” she said.
This year, proceeds from the event will once again go towards student-focused initiatives such as the Phakimpilo Food Security Programme and the Masifunde Sonke campaign, both dedicated to addressing food insecurity and providing essential support to students in need.
The 2025 Living Values and Remember and Give event promises to bring together students, staff, and leadership in a lively yet purposeful way. More than just entertainment, it is a celebration of values, humanity, and solidarity, reinforcing DUT’s mission of being a university that truly serves its people while fostering sustainable change through ENVISION2030.
Pictured: Student Governance and Development team and Champions of the DUT Living Values.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Sinamile Sithole
