Feenix, a public benefit organisation that assists students in graduating debt-free recently honoured the Durban University of Technology (DUT) with an Appreciation Award for its continued support, valuable partnership, collaborative efforts and contribution towards ensuring that access to education is not dependent on wealth.

Ms Cara-Jean Petersen, Feenix Student Engagement Manager, congratulated DUT for once again being awarded the University Partnership Appreciation Award. She expressed that Feenix values the partnership with DUT, referring to the University as one of their top 5 Universities.

In a letter addressed to Mr Zwakele Ngubane, Director: Advancement and Alumni Relations Office at DUT and his team, Petersen said: “Your commitment to partnerships that help students access education and graduate debt-free and willingness to go above and beyond to bring this vision to life is inspirational and motivates us to continue levelling up in an ever-changing environment.”

Furthermore, she added that Feenix is confident that together with DUT, they will accomplish greater things for the betterment of the students and institutions in 2022.

In 2020, Feenix awarded DUT with the University of the Year Award and also DUT staff member, Mthetheleli Gwaza from the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office obtained the University Staff of the Year Award for his dedication when leading the Feenix-DUT relationship.

The Advancement and Alumni Relations Office at the DUT has adopted the University’s ENVISION2030 objective of stablishing mutually beneficial partnerships to improve the lives and livelihoods of the DUT community and society.

Previously, the Advancement and Alumni Relations Director, Mr Zwakele Ngubane said the DUT-Fennix relationship began in 2017 and they are looking forward to a long-term relationship to increase the number of DUT students who benefits from the Feenix Crowd-Funding. He said they are looking forward to greater things during this year, 2022 and beyond. Ngubane thanked his team for their dedication towards their work.

Pictured: DUT’s Appreciation Award

Simangele Zuma