The Student Services sector at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is hosting the 2024 Student Services Awards 2024, which will be held at the Greyville Convention Centre on 4 October 2024.
These awards recognise individuals and teams whose projects, initiations and contributions have had a profound impact on both DUT and the broader community.
The Student Services unit at DUT brings together five units, namely the Student Counselling and Health, Financial Aid, Sports Administration, Student Housing and Residence Life, and the Student Governance and Development unit.
Giving an overview of the event was Senior Financial Aid Counsellor, Keshan Govender. He said that this year’s awards represent a collaborative effort from all five units, with categories that celebrate excellence in various aspects of student life, including leadership, innovation, community engagement, wellness and more.
“These awards are prestigious and aim to recognise individuals and teams whose projects, initiations and contributions have had a profound impact on both the university and the community, aligning with the core values of the DUT ENVISION2030 strategy, focusing on nurturing excellence, creativity and leadership within our students,” he said.
He further introduced the team that is instrumental in playing host to these awards. The Student Services Award committee is made up of representatives and committee from each unit within the Student Service division, including himself (Financial Aid), Siphesihle Ngubo (Student Counselling), Refilwe Twala (Student Housing DBN) Ntsikelelo Nhlenyama (Student Housing – PMB), Nikho Siga (Office of the Dean), Thulile Nonhlahla Duma (Office of the Dean) and the Takalani Mfamadi (Sports Administration), Kholeka Sengiphiwe Mfeka (Student Governance and Development), Rochelle Ellary (Financial Aid), Mbali Nontobeko Mncube (Financial Aid), Philisiwe Gumede (Financial Aid), Zamile Khanyile (Student Housing-Durban).
According to Govender, the planning began in June 2024, with the event scheduled for the 4th of October. He indicated that the committee has been hard at work finalising award criteria, promoting the event, securing venues, and much more.
In terms of ENVISION2030, these awards intertwine with DUT’s values and principles.
“The DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy is at the heart of everything we do, and these awards are no different. The student services awards reflect commitment, integrity, honesty, excellence, and fairness. We believe these living values connect with the awards. With commitment, the awards recognise students who have shown dedication not only in their academic pursuits but also in their personal development,” he explained.
Govender highlighted the award categories which include the:
Dean of Students Prestigious Award- which recognises individuals who have shown outstanding achievements in various areas of their academic life, aligning with the DUT ENVISION2030 strategic plan and values.
Exemplary Society/Club/Structure Award-recognises student clubs/structures, societies or sports teams that have shown extraordinary dedication, participation and influence within the DUT community.
Outstanding Residence Life Award-recognises a residence with the most impactful residence life initiatives. The residence needs to have a track record of high attendance in In-house and central programme and high level of discipline, participation and involvement. Track record of peer-to-peer support and a nurturing and supportive residence.
Promotion of Healthy Lifestyle-recognises individuals, groups or societies who have contributed to promote health and wellness within DUT.
Student Entrepreneurship Award–recognises individuals who have demonstrated skills in creating and running a successful business. Emerging Leader (First Year Award) -is presented each year to a first year and to a sophomore student who have shown outstanding participation and commitment in co-curricular activities at point park and have shown the motivation to impact the University community.
Sportsmanship Award-recognises a team or individual that demonstrated exceptional performance, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the academic year.
“All these awards reflect what the Student Services Award is about. The call for nominations were open through the DUT Pinboard with the closing date being the 31st of August 2024. The criteria included that the project must have commenced between January 2023 and 30th June 2024. Self-nominations were allowed, provided the required portfolio of evidence was submitted. A portfolio of evidence must be provided by all nominees/nominator for each category they are nominated for. Winners are chosen based on how well they meet the set criteria and only the top three finalists for each category will be selected,” he said.
He further relayed that winners will be walking away with some exciting rewards. “The goal of the Student Services event is to celebrate and recognise the exceptional contributions of our students across various fields. We aim to highlight the achievements of these students who have made significant impacts in various areas of student life. We hope to inspire others to engage more deeply in university life and promote a sense of community at DUT,” he said.
Pictured: The Steve Biko campus at DUT.
Waheeda Peters
