The Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted the 2023 State of the University Address (SOUA) Networking Gala Dinner at Indumiso Campus Student Cafeteria, in Pietermaritzburg last week Friday, 10 March 2023.
Proffesor Keolebogile Motaung; Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation & Engagement, Dr Zamokuhle Mbandlwa; Lecturer: Public Management & Economics, Dr David Mohale; Director: Special Projects in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Ms Nthanyiseni Dhumazi; Chief Financial Officer, Ms Nonhlanhla Gumede; Director: Procurement, Mr Zwakele Ngubane; Director: Advancement and Alumni Relations, Ms Nontokozo Ngcobo; Manager: innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
The SOUA Gala Dinner was held right after the DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu delivered the 2023 State of the University Address to the university’s internal and external stakeholders at the Indumiso Campus Hall.
This glamorous event was aimed at networking, engaging, sharing ideas and unpacking the SOUA speech that was delivered by Prof Mthembu. The guests had a chance to celebrate DUT’s excellence while looking forward to move from being good to being great as per the ENVISION2030.
Mr Zwakele Ngubane, Director: Advancement and Alumni Relations at DUT welcomed the guests and thanked them for attending the SOUA and the Gala dinner.
“We can be rest assured that DUT is a place to be, if you paid enough attention and listened attentively during the SOUA. As the institution we have achieved a lot of greatness, our alumni are shining and winning prestigious awards globally,” said Ngubane.
Below are some of the SOUA 2023 comments made by the DUT community who graced the Gala Dinner.
Student Representative Council (SRC) Accommodation Officer: Midlands, Njabulo Nkomonde commented on the SOUA.
“What excites me is the progress that is linked to my duties as the Accommodation Officer, I have nothing to complain about. I am happy with the progress with the new building in our institution,” commented Nkomode.
Mrs Celiwe Chemane-Nyathi; Manager: Student Housing Midlands, Ms Nelisiwe Ndlovu; Student Administration Officer, Dr Joe Molete; Director: Midlands Campuses, Ms Silindile Qwabe; Executive Secretary of the Midlands Campus Director.
Manager: Student Housing and Residence Life Unit, Midlands; Mrs Celiwe Chemane-Nyathi shared her views on the SOUA.
“Out of the State of the University Address what I liked the most was when the VC was highlighting and emphasing on our ENVISION2030 strategy with the focus to students and stewardship. I was fascinated by the state-of-the-art projects that are coming and that are currently underway at all DUT campuses, and I am looking forward to those successful projects that DUT is working on. We really appreciate the various changes that we have seen and the development. As a former DUT student I am happy to see the new DUT.”
Dr Maditsane Nkonoane; DUT Registrar believed that the SOUA 2023 was “umkhombandlela” (direction), and reflection of where DUT is coming from and where it is heading to.
DUT Student Representative Council (SRC) President, Mr Sanele Khumalo also commented on the SOUA 2023.
“As the SRC President I welcome and support the 2023 SOUA, especially after knowing the problem that DUT has been having for the past few years. Accommodation has been an issue for years at DUT , so I am happy that the Council of DUT has approved the 11 000 beds specifically for DUT residences which will be able to accommodate 50% of DUT students who apply for residences. I appreciate Prof Mthembu for acknowledging the presence of the SRC”.
Pictured: DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu (second from right) with DUT Council members at the SOUA Gala Dinner.
Lethukuthula Ngubane
