The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Gender Forum marked Women’s Month with a strong focus on wellness, resilience, inclusion and belonging during its 2026 celebration held at Coastlands Musgrave on 21 August 2026.
Held under the theme “Thrive Together 2026: Wellness, Resilience and Inclusion for All”, the event brought together DUT staff, leaders, wellness professionals and stakeholders for a day of reflection, dialogue, learning and connection.
The celebration highlighted the importance of creating a university environment where people feel supported, valued and able to contribute meaningfully, while recognising that personal wellbeing is an important part of building resilient individuals and communities.
Programme Director and Gender Forum Deputy Chairperson Ms Ronelle Lyson opened the programme by encouraging attendees to step away from the pressures of emails, deadlines and digital distractions and make time for their own wellbeing.
She reminded participants that self-care is not a luxury, but an important part of maintaining resilience and being able to support others.
The official welcome was delivered by Gender Forum Chairperson Dr Rosaline Govender, who highlighted the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. Dr Navitha Ramroop, Deputy Chairperson of the Forum, further reflected on the importance of community, belonging and collective responsibility in strengthening resilience across the university.
Mr Zwakele Ngubane, Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations, reflected on the significance of Women’s Month within the context of DUT’s strategic vision. He highlighted the importance of empowerment, equality and inclusion in creating an environment that enables members of the university community to succeed and contribute to institutional excellence.
Employee wellness was a key focus of the programme, with corporate psychologist Mrs Karin Young facilitating a session on mental health awareness, stress management and self-care. She provided practical strategies to help participants manage everyday pressures and make their mental and emotional wellbeing a priority.
The session also created an opportunity for participants to engage openly on workplace challenges and consider practical ways of building healthier approaches to personal and professional wellbeing.
The keynote address was delivered by Ms Helen Mogorosi, Director of Organisational Development and Talent Management at DUT. Her presentation, “Thriving Together: Building a Resilient and Inclusive DUT Community”, focused on the role of people-centred organisational cultures in creating workplaces where individuals and teams feel valued, supported and empowered.
Drawing on her extensive experience in organisational development and human capital management, Ms Mogorosi emphasised the importance of strengthening institutional capability while creating an environment in which people can flourish.
The theme of collective action continued through the “Thrive Together Challenge”, facilitated by Dr Govender. Through collaborative activities, participants explored the value of teamwork, creativity and mutual support in building stronger and more inclusive communities.
A fitness and wellness session led by DUT alumna, Lotus FM presenter and fitness instructor Mrs Bhavna Govender added an interactive dimension to the programme. Through movement and music, participants were encouraged to consider physical activity as an important part of overall wellbeing.
The afternoon programme featured a panel discussion titled “Wellness, Inclusion and Shared Responsibility at DUT”, facilitated by Dr Rekha Maniram.
The panel, comprising Dr Fathima Razack, Ms Palesa Matabane, Dr Sasi Gangiah, Ms Pretty Zulu and Dr Cleopatra Matli, explored issues relating to workplace wellness, personal growth, inclusion, leadership, academic excellence and community engagement.
Their discussion reinforced the importance of shared responsibility in creating an environment where individuals can feel a sense of belonging while contributing to the broader university community.
Participants were also invited to reflect on their own commitments through the “My Commitment to Thrive” Vision Board Activity, facilitated by Dr Govender and Ms Lyson. The activity encouraged attendees to identify practical commitments that could strengthen their own wellbeing while contributing positively to those around them.
The event concluded with closing reflections from Mrs Amanda Mkhwanazi and a vote of thanks from Ms Nondumiso Khuzwayo, Gender Forum Membership and Equity Coordinator. Appreciation was extended to the organising team, speakers, panellists, sponsors and attendees for contributing to the success of the celebration.
Throughout the day, one message remained clear: building a resilient and inclusive DUT community requires both individual action and collective responsibility. Wellness is not only about how individuals care for themselves, but also about how institutions and colleagues create environments where people feel supported, respected and able to thrive.
The DUT Gender Forum’s Women’s Month celebration therefore served as more than a commemoration. It provided a platform to strengthen dialogue around wellbeing, inclusion and belonging while encouraging members of the DUT community to take meaningful steps towards creating a healthier and more supportive university environment.
Pictured: DUT Gender Forum members at the Women’s Month celebration.
Photographer: DUT Multimedia
Ronelle Lyson
