The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Library recently hosted two book launch events at the BM Patel Library Conference Centre, showcasing publications by members of the DUT community and highlighting the University’s commitment to promoting scholarship, reading and knowledge sharing.
The launches featured publications by Dr Collence Takaingenhamo Chisita, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Information Systems; Vhugala Peace Mashau, a DUT Library Book Club student member and author; and Dr Wiza Munyeka, Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Human Resource Management at DUT. Mr Romeo Matumba, Librarian: Marketing and Communication at DUT, served as Programme Director for both events.
The events brought together academics, students, library staff and members of the wider DUT community to recognise the authors and contributors and engage with their published works.
The first book launch, held on 21 August 2026, featured publications by Dr Chisita and Vhugala Peace Mashau. The programme opened with an address by Prof Smangele Moyane, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics at DUT.
Dr Chisita presented three publications exploring the changing role of libraries and their place in society. These included Libraries in an Era of Constant Change: From Yesteryear to the Future, co authored with Professor Madeliene Fombad, Dr Tshepo Mosweu, Dr Vusi W. Tsabedze, Professor Rexwhite Enakrire and Dr Godfrey Tsvuura; Libraries as Vanguards of Community Service Provision in Shifting Information Landscapes, co authored with Dr Rabiya Ali; and Innovating in Libraries: Surviving Technological Lethargy in Times of Endless Transformation, Volumes 1 and 2, with Dr Blessing Chiparausha and Professor Madeliene Fombad as contributors.
Drawing on Heylighen’s 2016 Stigmergic framework for co publication, Dr Chisita reflected on his experience as an author and co editor and highlighted the importance of collaborative knowledge production. He also discussed the value of documenting and sharing knowledge about the changing information environment in which libraries operate.
Vhugala Peace Mashau, a DUT Library Book Club student member and author, presented his works, Things I Wish I Could Say: The Rising of Mashau and The Rise of Poetry.
Through his poetry, Mashau explores themes of humanity, relationships, emotional healing and the complexities of human experience. His work encourages readers to reflect on the challenges people face and the time and understanding required in the healing process.
Members of the DUT Library Book Club also performed a poetry item during the programme, demonstrating the role of the Library in creating spaces where students can engage with literature and express themselves creatively.
The launch concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Nhlanhla Nhleko, Library Manager at DUT, who acknowledged the authors, contributors, speakers, Book Club members and everyone who attended the event.
A second book launch featured Navigating Organisational Dynamics: Contemporary Perspectives and Challenges in Organisational Behaviour in South Africa, edited by Dr Wiza Munyeka, Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Human Resource Management at DUT.
The publication brings together contributions from Liiza Gie, Tatenda Chikukwa, Ashnee Rajlal, Pauline Eyono, Sifiso Myeni, Lucia Ngidi, Samuel Bangura, Baphiwe Daweti, Nigel Makuwe, Webster Hlophe, Anos Chitamba, Linda Ratau, Zephrus Molewa, Jane Makgopa, Mercillene Mathews and Goldmarks Makamure.
The core author team is drawn from the Department of Human Resource Management at DUT, with contributions from academics and professionals from institutions including the University of Johannesburg, University of KwaZulu Natal, Vaal University of Technology, Afrisight (Pty) Limited and University Canada West in Canada. The book is published by Juta Publishers, South Africa.
Delivering a message from the Dean’s Office, Prof M.J. Swanepoel, Executive Dean of Management Sciences, said he was encouraged to see Library Book Club members actively participating in book launches.
He commended DUT Library for its role in cultivating a culture of reading and writing at the University and highlighted the importance of providing students with opportunities to engage directly with books and authors.
Prof Swanepoel also congratulated Dr Munyeka, the editor, and all the contributors involved in the publication, as well as those who participated in the launch both in person and online.
Dr Munyeka presented an overview of the publication, outlining its purpose, key themes and contribution to understanding organisational behaviour in the South African context. He also reflected on the motivation behind the book and the collaborative process involved in bringing the publication together.
Mr Dumo Xaba, author and photographer, contributed a poetry item to the programme, after which Dr Munyeka presented the reviewer’s remarks before officially unveiling the publication.
The second launch concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Baphiwe Daweti, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Human Resource Management, who thanked the authors, editor, speakers, organisers and attendees for their participation.
The two events form part of DUT Library’s ongoing efforts to promote scholarship and publications produced by members of the University community. They also provide students, particularly members of the Library Book Club, with opportunities to meet authors, hear about their experiences and participate in activities that promote reading, writing and knowledge exchange.
Through initiatives such as these, DUT Library continues to strengthen its role in the University’s knowledge ecosystem by creating platforms for published work to be presented, discussed and shared with readers.
The book launches also demonstrate how the Library contributes beyond its traditional role as a repository of information, serving as a space for intellectual exchange, collaboration and the development of a vibrant culture of scholarship across the University.
Pictured: Distinguished guests at the book launch.
Photographs: DUT Library Book Club members
Romeo Matumba, Dr Collence Chisita, Dr Wiza Munyeka and Vhugala Mashau
