In recognition of October Transport Month, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted its inaugural Transport, Campus Safety and Smart Mobility Awareness Expo at the Fred Crookes Sport Centre on the Steve Biko Campus in Durban.
Hosted in collaboration between the Logistical Services Unit (LSU) and the Protection Services Unit (PSU), the expo brought together stakeholders from across the University, government, industry and the broader transport and safety sector to promote awareness, engagement, innovation and collaboration.
Held under the theme, “Transforming Mobility Through Innovation, Safety and Sustainability,” the programme was led by Programme Director Mr Zwakele Ngubane and featured a range of presentations, panel discussions and exhibitions.
Among the stakeholders participating in the expo were the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), eThekwini Municipality, Durban Metro Police, SANTACO, Berea SAPS and private sector partners.
Speaking on behalf of the LSU and PSU, Director: Logistical Services Ms Anathi Mlungwana outlined the purpose of the expo and highlighted the importance of transport and road safety to the University’s daily operations.
“Transport is an essential institutional enabler that supports access to education, student life, staff operations and overall institutional efficiency,” she said.
Ms Mlungwana emphasised that road safety extends beyond transport and traffic management. It requires responsible driver and passenger behaviour, effective traffic management, appropriate infrastructure, compliance with legislation, driver education, pedestrian awareness and the effective use of technology.
She noted that road accidents involving any road user can have a direct impact on academic attendance, student success and institutional continuity.
Speaking on behalf of the RTI, Inspector Masinga highlighted the increasing role of technology in modern traffic enforcement.
“Technology allows us to make enforcement more accurate, efficient and accountable,” he said, referring to technologies such as speed detection equipment, electronic enforcement systems, communication systems, digital reporting, vehicle inspection technology and photographic evidence.
Inspector Masinga stressed that the focus should not simply be on the technology itself, but on what it enables authorities to achieve.
“The message is not simply, look at what technology we have. The message should be, look at what this technology allows us to achieve,” he said.
Using speeding enforcement as an example, he explained how an inspector can stop a speeding vehicle, record the evidence, verify the information and follow the appropriate legal and administrative procedures to ensure accountability.
DUT Protection Services staff at the Transport, Campus Safety and Smart Mobility Awareness Expo.
Mr Bonginkosi Lushaba from DUT Protection Services highlighted the unit’s responsibility to promote the safety of students and staff across DUT campuses, on university transport and in protecting University property.
Izikhova Security Services also participated in the programme, presenting on the role of security in supporting a safer DUT community.
Captain Chamaly of Berea Police Station provided guidance on the process of opening criminal cases. He emphasised that members of the public have the right to open a case and that a police officer should not refuse to assist a complainant.
“You can open a police case anywhere you are,” he said.
Captain Chamaly also cautioned students about accommodation scams and advised them to be vigilant when searching for accommodation. Students were encouraged to obtain verified accommodation information directly from DUT rather than relying solely on social media platforms.
Before officially opening the exhibition area, Mr Thandokuhle Shongwe acknowledged the exhibitors and partners and thanked them for their contribution to the expo.
Industry partner BP was represented by Ms Sinothile Gigaba, who highlighted the opportunities available to students within the fuel and energy sector and the value of partnerships between industry and higher education institutions.
“The fuel industry is a very big one and there are students who would like to be part of it, so who better to partner with than an institution that can produce the leaders of tomorrow,” she said.
The expo also featured panel discussions focusing on road safety, the role of the taxi industry in promoting passenger safety, and mobility challenges and opportunities from a multi-stakeholder perspective.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Ms Bonisiwe Mbatha, Manager: Logistical Services Unit, who expressed her appreciation to the Protection Services Unit, exhibitors, partners, students and other attendees for their contribution to the success of the expo.
The inaugural expo provided a platform for the DUT community and its partners to engage on practical ways of strengthening transport safety, campus security and smart mobility while promoting a safer and more sustainable university environment.
Pictured: Members of the panel at the Transport, Campus Safety and Smart Mobility Awareness Expo.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Nosihle Mthembu
