The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is encouraging school learners to explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through an outreach initiative that combined career guidance, practical demonstrations and donations of school shoes and sanitary towels.

The initiative, led by DUT’s Department of Civil Engineering and Geomatics, with support from the Community Engagement Office, took place at Tholokuhle High School in Richards Bay on 9 October 2026. It provided Grade 9 and 10 learners with an opportunity to learn about careers in Civil Engineering and Geomatics, the importance of subject choices and what to expect from university life.

Ms Xoliswa Feikie, a lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering, explained the significance of the visit, highlighting the connection between DUT and the school through Dr Smiso Ntuli, a DUT lecturer and former learner at Tholokuhle High School. She encouraged learners to draw inspiration from his journey and remain focused on their academic aspirations.

“We regard this school as home, as one of our colleagues, Dr Ntuli, is an alumnus of this institution. We are here to motivate and guide you, and to remind you that success is possible regardless of where you come from,” said Feikie.

DUT students also shared their experiences of university life and discussed the academic pathways and career opportunities available in Civil Engineering and Geomatics.

Among them was Amanda Khumalo, a final-year Civil Engineering student and president of DUT’s South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) student chapter. She highlighted the value of engaging directly with school learners and helping them better understand the engineering profession.

“Today went really well. We had the opportunity to engage with the learners, share our knowledge and answer their questions about Civil Engineering. I am here representing SAICE, and it was encouraging to interact with the learners and help them better understand the field,” said Khumalo.

A key highlight was a practical demonstration of equipment used in Civil Engineering and Geomatics. With guidance from DUT students, learners interacted with the equipment and observed how engineering and surveying techniques are applied in real-world settings. The demonstrations brought classroom concepts to life and gave learners a clearer understanding of how these disciplines work in practice.

Mr Albert Muhrewa, Head of the Science Department at Tholokuhle High School, welcomed the visit, noting its relevance to the school’s technical and science curriculum.

“We are proud and humbled to welcome DUT to our school, particularly because we have our own alumnus, Dr Smiso Ntuli, who is now a lecturer at the university. We are excited to have DUT here, as our school offers technical and science subjects that are important foundations for many programmes offered at the university. We would like to thank DUT for recognising our school and investing in our learners,” said Muhrewa.

The outreach also addressed some of the practical challenges learners face by providing donations of school shoes and sanitary towels. This contribution complemented the academic engagement, recognising the importance of supporting learners’ well-being alongside their educational development.

Grade 11 learner Casey Ndwandwe welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the two disciplines and interact with the DUT delegation.

“Today, DUT visited our school, and we learnt in depth about Civil Engineering and Geomatics. We are grateful to DUT for such an informative day and for sharing valuable knowledge with us,” said Ndwandwe.

For Dr Ntuli, the visit was also an opportunity to give back to the school that helped shape his educational journey. Returning as a university lecturer allowed him to share his experiences with learners who are beginning to consider their own career paths.

“Today, we are at Tholokuhle High School to give back to the community and, in particular, to engage with the science learners. I feel honoured to return to my former school and share my knowledge and experience with learners who represent the next generation of professionals and leaders,” said Ntuli.

The school’s principal, Mrs Bongi Xulu, expressed appreciation for the engagement and welcomed the possibility of establishing a lasting relationship between the school and DUT.

“We are excited that DUT has visited our school, and we hope this marks the beginning of a fruitful journey and partnership. We believe that the learners who engaged with the DUT delegation today will be encouraged to consider DUT as their institution of choice for further studies. Our school has been recognised as a leading feeder school in the area for several years, and we hope this initiative will motivate our learners even further,” said Xulu.

The visit highlighted the value of connecting university expertise with school education to help learners make informed decisions about their futures. Through career guidance, practical exposure, student mentorship and support for learners’ immediate needs, DUT created an opportunity for meaningful engagement with the Tholokuhle High School community.

It also demonstrated how alumni can help strengthen relationships between universities and their former schools, inspiring young people to pursue higher education and consider careers in engineering and related fields.

Pictured: DUT team members and learners from Tholokuhle High School.

Photographer: Iketlo Tsotetsi

Phumeza Msongelwa