A dynamic three-year strategic partnership is about to kick off between the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and KwaZulu-Natal football powerhouse AmaZulu FC (Usuthu). The collaboration will be officially unveiled during the Faculty of Management Sciences’ (FMS) Second Annual Sports Day on Friday, 22 August 2025, at DUT.
AmaZulu FC, which is one of South Africa’s oldest and most iconic football clubs, was established in 1932 by Zulu migrant workers and originally known as Zulu Royals. Today, the club stands as a proud symbol of Durban’s sporting legacy, competing at the highest level of South African football. With an ambitious goal of becoming the most successful and influential sports brand in South Africa and the continent by its centenary in 2032, AmaZulu FC is targeting a five million strong supporter base.
Speaking more about this exciting partnership was Ms Zungu-Rashee, Head of Marketing at the DUT Business School, “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was developed by me under the guidance of Professor Pfano Mashau, (Director of the DUT Business School), and reviewed and approved by Professor Fulufhelo Netswera together our University’s legal department, and shared with AmaZulu FC’s CEO, Ms Sinenjabulo Zungu – Ntuli, who has officially confirmed their commitment to the partnership. “As one of FMS’s flagship events, this initiative has the potential to grow beyond our faculty and become a key institutional brand activation. With DUT as the main brand linked to a trusted and well-known sports event, we stand to gain increased brand visibility, deeper community engagement, and positive public relations, particularly among our staff, students, alumni, and both local and national communities,” she said.
Ms Zungu-Rashee adds: “The Sports Day directly aligns with DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy, particularly the ‘people-centred and engaged’ DNA strand. It embodies the goals of wellness, engagement, and community involvement. This initiative promotes the holistic development of students and staff, fostering resilience, collaboration, and social impact cornerstones of DUT’s long-term vision. Moreover, by engaging with a professional football brand like AmaZulu FC, the partnership adds external value that supports DUT’s commitment to forming impactful partnerships and contributing to societal transformation.”
Usuthu’s vision 2032 encompasses on several key areas, including building a competitive team with a strong foundation in homegrown talent, achieving success in both domestic and continental competitions, and establishing a sustainable football brand through empowering not only the players but also maximising on its impact within the community through various initiatives together with DUT.
The official signing of the MOU with AmaZulu FC, took place on Tuesday, 2 July 2025, at 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at DUT.
Pictured: Professor Fulufhelo Netswera together with AmaZulu FC’s CEO, Ms Sinenjabulo Zungu – Ntuli, at the MOU.
Zinhle Zungu-Rashee/Waheeda Peters/Thulasizwe Nkomo
