The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Library proudly participated in the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) Annual Conference, held in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, from 30 September to 3 October 2025. Recognised as a G20 site event by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the GLAM sector, this year’s conference took place under the theme “Libraries as Innovation Hubs: Empowering Communities.”

DUT was strongly represented, with several librarians contributing through research presentations, conversational sessions, and lightning talks that showcased the library’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, best practice knowledge sharing and community empowerment.

Presentations by DUT Library staff included:

• Patricia Badenhorst, Sara Bibi Mitha and Themba Nkuna: “If we don’t, who will? Incorporating ethical use of AI in postgraduate information literacy workshops.”
• Tholeka Sidlayi: “Driving user-centred transformation: highlighting proposals submitted for the DUT Library’s Innovation Day to enhance academic library services.”
• Romeo Matumba and Itumeleng Mpete (UNISA): “Strategic partnership for innovation: a collaborative marketing model between academic libraries to empower communities in South Africa.”
• Romeo Matumba and Dr Mousin Omarsaib: “Research capacity building for library staff: a DUT Library success story.”
• Nomcebo Mthimkhulu and Mendy Sibisi: “Umuntu, ngumuntu, ngabantu, I am because you are: an autoethnographic reflection at the Durban University of Technology.”
• Siza Radebe: “Zibukezulu High School Library as a model for the school libraries in the Imbali Education & Innovation Precinct.”

All papers presented were positively received during the conference sessions, contributing to the enhanced profile of the DUT Library.

The highlight of the conference for DUT was the recognition of Ms Patricia Nonsikelelo Badenhorst, Postgraduate Librarian, who received the prestigious LIASA–WWIS Research Support Librarian of the Year Award. This esteemed national accolade recognises outstanding research support librarians, celebrating excellence and inspiring continued commitment within the higher education sector. Warm congratulations are extended to Ms Badenhorst on this well-deserved honour.

In addition, Mr Romeo Matumba, Librarian: Marketing and Communication, distinguished himself as Master of Ceremonies throughout the week, including at the conference gala dinner. Dr Mousin Omarsaib, Subject Librarian, was also named among the finalists for the Librarian of the Year Award, further underscoring DUT’s leadership and professional influence at a national level.

Through its sustained engagement in national and international platforms, DUT Library continues to reaffirm its standing as a champion for innovation, ethical scholarship, and collaborative advancement in academic librarianship. The library’s presence at LIASA 2025 exemplifies its unwavering pursuit of excellence and its commitment to driving transformative impact across the higher education landscape.

Pictured: DUT Library staff.

Photography: Nqobizitha Langa

Romeo Matumba