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DUT SHOWCASES ITS STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS AND ARTISTS AT THE ARTS, BUSINESS AND CULTURE FESTIVAL

DUT SHOWCASES ITS STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS AND ARTISTS AT THE ARTS, BUSINESS AND CULTURE FESTIVAL

The Department of Student Governance and Development at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in partnership with the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation hosted the Arts, Business and Culture (ABC) Festival to showcase the University student entrepreneurs and artists at the Curries Fountain Stadium in Durban from Monday 22 August 2022 to Friday, 26 August 2022.

This fun-filled ABC Festival consisted of arts (music, poetry, drama and a film festival), stalls and exhibitions daily, a food court, cultural diversity, fashion shows and masterclasses. Amongst the groups who left people wanting more of their music were the Res Life Choir, Ingoma, and the Trio: Katlego, Onke and Nosipho.

Facilitating the festival was Mr Romeo Matumba, Marketing and Communication Librarian at DUT. Mr Matumba encouraged the students to use the platform to showcase their talents.

Delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony, the DUT Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane said he was excited to see the large group of students attending the festival as during COVID-19 for the past two years the moment seemed impossible.

“There was no hope to us returning to our vibrant campuses. On a brighter side, the pandemic afforded us a chance to reflect on how can we be prepared for the uncertain future. How we can do things differently and really transform our societies in ways that are sustainable. We cannot and should not find comfort in the reality of a country faced with job scarcity, poverty, unemployment and social injustice. However, DUT is taking a firm stand to create intentional interventions grounded on the common ideologies of societal integration, inclusive economy and active citizenry,” said Dr Nkonoane.

He added that eradicating social ills requires collaborative efforts from the Higher Education Institutions and the corporate world. He said the ABC Festival is a vehicle of empowering and developing students into responsible citizens and future leaders who understand education as a tool for sustainable solutions to societal problems.

He apologised that they had planned to launch the University blazer, designed and produced by DUT students but unfortunately for matters beyond their control, the launch of the University blazer had to be postponed. He assured the guests that in the 2023 ABC Festival, he will be wearing the DUT Blazer, produced by DUT students. He indicated that the DUT Blazer is in resonance with the DUT shared motto of ‘achieving greatness together’.

Speaking on the purpose of the ABC Festival, Dr Nkonoane said: “The ABC Festival’s practical embodiment of ENVISION2030 proves the intentionality of our University to allow our students to take a firm posture in changing the country and the world. The statement of intent reads, our people will be creative, innovative and entrepreneurial and adaptive to the changes of the world. Our people will participate productively in the development of our region, our country and the world. Those of you who went to the Durban July this year may have realised how we are dominating the design world as one of our own won a prize of R50 000 for the best design and that is in line with achieving greatness together. Remember confidence is super power so go forth DUT and change the world,” said Dr Nkonoane.

One of the exhibitors was Nokuthula Magwaza (28) of eNanda, Indima Creations who showcased her unique clothing at the festival. She acknowledged DUT for opening the festival to external stakeholders, as it provided her with a lot of exposure.

The second-year Town Planning student at DUT, Sinenhlanhla Nani (22) received a chance to exhibit her collection of jewellery and accessories as she has a passion for beauty and wants to see every women looking beautiful at all times. She revealed that her target market is mainly students, therefore she ensures that her prices are reasonable and affordable to students.

DUT International students who were part of the ABC Festival

Christopher Djuma (23), President of the International Students Organisation (ISO) at DUT indicated that they were pleased to be part of the festival where they had a chance to exhibit the traditional food they eat back home in the different African countries. He said six countries namely Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo had a chance to showcase their food.

Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the Department of Student Governance and Development, Andile Masuku, DUT Student Development Officer extended sincere appreciation to all the guests who honoured their invitation. He also thanked their internal and external stakeholders for their continued support throughout the preparations of this programme

“As Student Services, our intention is to enhance students skills, especially in picking up new business skills, give advice on the best business practices, take the first step in controlling the students lives and livelihoods and give them the confidence to take on challenges of entrepreneurship. This is in line with our motto which is Sikusekele, We’ve Got You,” added Masuku.

Pictured: The DUT Ingoma performing at the ABC Festival.

Photographer: Nonkululeko Ngcobo.

Simangele Zuma

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