The Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted an exciting Annual Comrades Marathon Awards Presentation and Luncheon 2024 at the DUT Hotel School, Ritson campus on Thursday, 14 August 2024 to honour the DUT staff, students, and alumni who participated in the exhilarating Comrades Marathon.

The luncheon was swiftly facilitated by Mr Avhatakali Nenungwi, Director: of Organisational Development and Talent Management; DUT Human Capital Services, who gracefully welcomed the overjoyed athletes and esteemed guests from different ambits including the Deputy Vice Chancellor: People and Operations, Dr Vuyo Mthethwa and the Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane.

Senior Director of Human Capital Services, Mr Mxolisi Msomi, and Dr Nkonoane handed out several cheques, ranging from R2 000 to R10 000 to each participant in their different categories, as a token of appreciation for their hard work.

Mr Msomi, before awarding the participants, he provided background to the event, how it was started and highlighted why it was so important to recognise and reward the athletes who had done so well.
As part of the background, Mr Msomi said that he would be not doing justice if he did not state that this initiative was planted by Dr Mthethwa, he further mentioned that it is very important to appreciate Dr Mthethwa’s leadership in that regard. “We are not only doing it to honour those who ran in the Comrades Marathon, but the supporters, organising committee, and everyone who contributed,” said Mr Msomi.

He also praised the unity and urged the DUT community to expand it throughout the institution. He also claimed that this not only put DUT on the athletic map, but it promotes wellness and unity within the institution.

Delivering the vote of appreciation with pride was Ms Dorinda Borg from the Department of Somatology. She revealed how proud she was to be part of this historical moment and how she was amazed by the unity shown by DUT staff in support of the comrades participants.

“I am proud of you guys and thank you for representing us well. The teamwork was amazing, and the coalition was out of this world. A lot of us were meeting each for the first time in the Comrade but we vibed together and made sure the DUT brand was seen. The organisiing team, academics, marketing, and the authorities embraced our culture together. It did not matter who you were. We became one family and worked together. I am proud to be part of the DUT family,’ said Ms Borg.

On behalf of the participants Mr Thabani Shadrack Mhlongo, Senior Director: of Real Estate Management Unit; extended his appreciation to DUT for honouring them. He also recalled his last year comrades where he suffered from an injury while in the middle of the race but through the support from DUT supporters he persevered and completed the race.

“We appreciate the gesture shown by the DUT. It pushes us to do well even in difficult times. I even remember last year comrades I managed to run with an injury, through the pain, but because of the support, I managed to finish the race,’ he said.

The comrades’ marathon participants who received monetary rewards were.
DUT Athletic Club-First Male- Steven Mkhize.
DUT Athletic Club-First Female- Nqobile Mngadi.
DUT Athletic Club Members- Lindokuhle Manyoni, Thabani Mhlongo, Eric Mkhize and Sibusiso Sotsaka, Patric Mhlongo, Samuel Ntsanwisi, Lungelo Zulu, Nkeka Tseole, Colleen Lots, Ngceba Kenisa, Adelo Myambo, Yenzi Olifant, Rajen Eswarlal and Senzo Mdladla.

Pictured: Senior Director of Human Capital Services, Mr Mxolisi Msomi, and DUT Registrar: Dr Maditsane Nkonoane awarding DUT staff, students, and alumni at the Annual Comrades Marathon Awards Presentation and Luncheon who participated in the exhilarating Comrades Marathon.

Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.

Vukani Langa