There were 73 schools that had visited the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’S) successful Open Week at the Ritson Campus Hall from 10 May 2023 to 13 May 2023.

The aim of the Open Week was to provide information and guidance about different programmes offered by DUT and how they can apply for them. Students are given CAO forms with general information. At each stand, they received detailed specific brochures about a particular course of study.

During the Open Week, 8905  pupils attended the event, and the general consensus from pupils from Grade 9 and Grade 12 were that this was very helpful as they are now aware of all the courses that are on offer at DUT. Some of the departments  that were on exhibition range from Somatology, Fashion and Textiles, Journalism, Biotechnology, Language Practice. Both the pupils and the teachers were excited to see the programmes and were chuffed with how friendly and helpful the staff were in explaining to them.

The final day saw many parents coming through to also gauge with DUT staff and find out more on the various programmes that may suit their kids.

Parent, Nandini Rooplall with her daughter Umeka Rooplall, said her daughter is in Grade 9 at Greenbury Secondary High School.  She said she had been excited to see the event happening on a bigger, better scale than before, with people being more advanced, and being able to have more insight to courses.

“My daughter came to speak to the Radiology department but we have also been amazed by the other departments and what they have to offer.  The staff’s knowledge with regards to the different departments that they come from has really enlightened us. So from my daughter only being stuck on radiology she now has six other choices she can choose from,” she said.

Sophia Khan from the Central Applications Office (CAO) said it is vital for the CAO to be at the Open Week event because it gives their office the opportunity to interact with many pupils, also explaining to them how to do the applications online.

“We have a step by step guide on how to do our applications as well as the change of mind form, and how they should make payment using our website. We also advised the pupils of our social media platform that we have and we also tell the pupils that they are always welcome to interact with us,” she said.

Alex Mdletshe, Manager at DUT Student Recruitment said that overall we have held a successful event concerning our targets.

“We were able to double that number which is very good. We are also looking of improving this event for next time. I would like to thank every department that had participated and as well as my team. I am looking forward to the next project,” he said.

All in all, the annual DUT Open Week was a great success and the number of visiting schools continues to grow in leaps and bounds.

Pictured: Alex Mdletshe, Manager at DUT Student Recruitment visiting DUT staff  at their stalls and to gauge with pupils at the event.

Photographer: Waheeda Peters

Waheeda Peters