Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted a memorial webinar for victims of COVID-19 and frontline workers on Tuesday, 15 December 2020, on Microsoft Teams.
The DUT community paid tribute to those who have been infected and affected by COVID-19, by honoring and letting them know that they are not alone. DUT community brought together Executive Deans to share briefly on their experiences with COVID-19.
The webinar was facilitated by Dr Khethiwe Dongwe, lecturer from DUT Midlands campus, who welcomed everyone present. The warm welcome was accompanied by prayer by Dr Reverend Delysia Timm, Minister of the Word who is also a former Director: DUT Center for Learning and Excellent Training (CELT). Proving some sweet gospel musical was Ms Sandisiwe Zulu from DUT CELT.
Executive Deans of DUT faculties who delivered messages, were namely: Professor Bhekisipho Twala: Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Professor Brian Pearce: Faculty of Arts and Design, Professor Fulufhelo Netswera: Faculty of Management Sciences, Professor Oludayo Olugbara: Faculty of Accounting and Informatics, Professor Suren Singh: Faculty of Applied Sciences as well as Professor Ashely Ross: Faculty of Health Sciences.
The DVC: Teaching and Learning, Prof Nokuthula Sibiya delivered her key note message, which focused on the rising tolls of COVID-19 cases, since the country’s been hit by a second wave. “At DUT we have recently observed a sharp rise of new infections, we therefore plead with you to continue to use masks and observe social distancing,” said Prof Sibiya.
“Let us continue to protect our health workers for playing a critical role in taking care of all of us. Level 1 does not mean that the virus has left us but it means we need to be extra careful, as we approach the Christmas times”, she added.
Amongst the Executive Deans that delivered messages, was Prof Twala. Prof Twala started off by pointing out the impact of the pandemic on students. “COVID-19 exposed inequalities within the education systems in terms of revealing those who have and those who have not,” said Prof Twala.
Prof Brian Pearce humbly offered condolences to the families of those who have passed on because of this virus. “I would also like to pay tribute to the brave men and women who were leading the fight against the virus, these are the nurses, Doctors, Scientists and Law Enforcement Personnel. I can also not forget to thank Educators, Journalists, Cleaners, Petrol Attendants who have put their lives in danger so that we can fight the virus and life could go on,” he said.
Highlighting the difficulties that students encountered during online learning, was Prof Netswera. “Our academics had to deliver programs online and as a result we had numerous challenges since our students don’t have the instalments to connect themselves, and our academics equally required training and data,” said Netswera. He proceeded by extending deep condolences specifically to the families, friends and colleagues of the two staff members who are late because COVID-19.
Closing off the meeting with some remarks, was Dr Khethiwe Dongwe accompanied by a warm music of the nation, the national anthem.
Nikiwe Sukazi
