Durban University of Technology (DUT) proudly announces the appointment of Dr Lavern Samuels and Dr Divinia Jithoo to the Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) Reference Group for the Implementation Strategy of the Policy Framework for Internationalisation of Higher Education in South Africa.
These appointments, effective from April 2026 to March 2029, mark a significant milestone for DUT, reflecting the university’s national recognition for expertise in international education and policy. The Reference Group, established by DHET, plays a critical role in guiding the implementation of the Policy Framework for Internationalisation of Higher Education (2020), ensuring strategies align with transformation, decolonisation, and equitable access objectives.
As Director of DUT’s International Education and Partnerships (IEP) Office, Dr Samuels has spearheaded DUT’s internationalisation strategy. His leadership has positioned DUT as a hub for global collaboration, attracting international students and scholars while contributing to international knowledge networks.
A dental surgeon and medical scientist with a special interest in oral medicine and public health, Dr Samuels has integrated internationalisation into DUT’s curriculum, research collaborations, and institutional partnerships. His vision ensures alignment with both national priorities and DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy.
Dr Jithoo currently serves as a Specialist in International Education at DUT. Her work focuses on fostering global partnerships and advancing internationalisation strategies through the International Education and Partnerships (IEP) Office. With a strong commitment to DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy, Dr Jithoo has helped create a vibrant global learning community that values intercultural awareness and inclusivity.
Dr Jithoo plays a key role in initiatives such as Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), leveraging virtual platforms to enhance cross-border academic collaboration. She has also contributed to research on intra-African higher education collaboration, advocating for stronger partnerships within the continent to harness indigenous knowledge and support sustainable development through African scholarship.
Complementing her work at DUT, Dr Jithoo is Co-Chair of the South African UNESCO Chair on Intercultural Competence at Stellenbosch University. In this role, she collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to address global challenges through intercultural dialogue and scholarship.
Dr Jithoo holds a PhD in Higher Education Studies from the University of the Western Cape and has developed specialised expertise in curriculum internationalisation. Through her roles at DUT and UNESCO, Dr Jithoo continues to shape the landscape of higher education internationalisation and intercultural competence development across Africa and beyond.
Upon receiving news of their appointments, both expressed that they are humbled and honoured to serve higher education internationalisation at a national level and contribute to inclusive and holistic internationalisation for South African and African higher education.
“At this point, we have been informed that the Reference Group will provide an advisory and oversight role in implementing the national policy framework for higher education internationalisation in South Africa,” said Dr Samuels and Dr Jithoo.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy as both DUT leaders will serve simultaneously on the national panel, highlighting DUT’s leadership in shaping the future of internationalisation in South Africa’s higher education sector.
The appointments resonate deeply with DUT’s ENVISION2030 philosophy, anchored in people-centredness, innovation, and sustainability. Internationalisation is a key driver of DUT’s vision to be a globally recognised university of technology contributing to knowledge production, socio-economic development and societal transformation.
Through their work, Dr Samuels and Dr Jithoo have advanced DUT’s commitment to building global partnerships, fostering inclusive academic mobility, and embedding intercultural dimensions into teaching, learning, and research. Their national appointments affirm DUT’s role as a thought leader in higher education transformation and internationalisation.
Going forward, both have indicated upcoming projects for the IEP Office.
“There are a number of initiatives that will be led by IEP to advance internationalisation at DUT, guided by the national policy framework improving systems and environments for cross-border collaboration and fostering a culture of international collaboration at DUT,” they said.
Together, Dr Samuels and Dr Jithoo have strengthened DUT’s reputation as a university that embraces internationalisation to advance academic excellence, equity, and innovation. Their leadership has resulted in DUT’s active participation in bilateral and multilateral initiatives, contributing to South Africa’s broader higher education transformation goals.
This achievement is not only a recognition of their outstanding work but also a testament to DUT’s commitment to ENVISION2030 and reaffirms DUT’s commitment to ENVISION2030 and its vision of being a globally respected, people-centred, and innovative university of technology. DUT congratulates Dr Lavern Samuels and Dr Divinia Jithoo on their appointments and looks forward to their continued contributions to advancing internationalisation in South Africa and beyond.
Pictured: Dr Lavern Samuels and Dr Divinia Jithoo.
Amanda Jali
