The Durban University of Technology received a generous donation of 5000 masks on 23 May 2020.

The masks were donated by DUT’s Chinese cooperative partners, the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU), Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology (BIFT) and the Confucius Institute. Professor Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement and Sister Sooriagandhi Wardthen, Chief Professional Nurse at the Department of Student Counselling and Health, received the donation handed over by Mr Frank WU, Co-Dean of the Confucius Institute (CI) at DUT on behalf of the Chinese partners.

Prof Moyo expressed her sincere gratitude to the three cooperative partners who provided the generous support of masks. “As we are preparing for the phased return of our staff and students, the medical materials we have received will be very helpful in preventing the spread of COVID-19 amongst our staff and student populations. We are grateful for all the concern and various support received from our Chinese cooperative partners. The combined DUT Executive Management Committee and Senate Executive Committee Meeting chaired by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu, had earlier expressed its gratitude and acknowledgement of the donation from the Chinese partners.”

Sharing his thoughts, CI’s Mr WU said: “As a member of the DUT family, CI is pleased to make our contribution to jointly fight against the pandemic with other colleagues at DUT.”

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in South Africa, various forms of support including calls, letters and videos were offered by universities in China, representatives from Chinese Companies based in Durban, Mandarin teachers who previously worked at DUT CI, Winter Camp Chinese volunteer students, to express their concern and backup for South Africa’s fight against the epidemic.

As quoted by Nelson Mandela, “When people are determined they can overcome anything.” Mr WU urged everyone to be united as one and help and support one another during these trying times.

Pictured: Sister Sooriagandhi Wardthen, Professor Sibusiso Moyo and Mr Frank WU, at the handover.

Frank WU