The Faculty of Accounting and Informatics at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), hosted an esteemed Italian delegation on Monday, 14 July 2025, for a collaborative engagement aimed at exploring joint academic and industrial opportunities for students. The event was held at the DUT Hotel School, Ritson Campus in Durban.
The event was attended by Executive Deans, Professor Sudesh Rathilal: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Professor Oludayo Olugbara: Faculty of Accounting & Informatics, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics, Professor Matthys Swanepoel. Representatives from eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Italian delegates, and the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics executive committee members.
This meeting forms part of DUT’s strategic vision to foster impactful global partnerships that drive innovation and socio-economic development.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome and opening remarks by Mr Brian Ngiba, project lead of this collaboration.
“This initiative was more than a visit; it was a bridge that connected expertise, experience, and vision across continents. It marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration rooted in innovation and mutual growth between DUT and Navigo,” said Mr Ngiba.
Doing the official welcome was Professor Oludayo Olugbara , he officially welcomed the guests and spoke about how DUT’s research goals match well with the opportunities for working together with international partners.
“DUT’s commitment to ENVISION2030 rests on collaborative excellence. Working with international partners like our Italian counterparts expands our global footprint and allows us to co-create impactful solutions,” he said.
The Italian delegation, accompanied by DUT’s leadership was treated to a tour of the university’s advanced laboratories and facilities, providing insight into DUT’s capabilities in research, engineering, technology, and applied sciences.
The tour was followed by a series of presentations. Executive Deans from the Faculties of Applied Sciences, Professor Suren Singh, Accounting and Informatics, Professor Oludayo Olugbara and Engineering and the Built Environment, Professor Sudesh Rathilal shared key highlights of research excellence, while a representative from the eThekwini Maritime Cluster presented on opportunities within Durban’s maritime economy.
A pivotal presentation came from the Navigo delegate, who emphasised the Italian innovation ecosystem and how joint ventures in marine technology, data science, and sustainable development could benefit both regions.
The highlight of the day was the signing of a Letter of Intent by Professor Olugbara, signaling DUT’s commitment to building a robust partnership with the Italian stakeholders.
“The signing of this letter was our institutional promise to deepen collaboration in research, knowledge exchange, and student development. We are laying the groundwork for projects that will impact not only our institutions but society at large,” Professor Olugbara affirmed.
Closing the session, Professor Swanepoel stressed the importance of meaningful collaboration in addressing today’s global challenges.
“This gathering was a testimony to the power of partnerships. When institutions, regions, and nations come together around a common goal, we create innovative, sustainable, and inclusive futures,” said Professor Swanepoel.
Pictured: DUT staff members with the Italian delegation.
Siphokazi Dlamini
