The Student Governance and Development unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted a Student Leadership Week Gala Dinner at the Riverside Hotel.
The gala dinner wrapped up an annual theme-base week, dedicated to recognising and supporting the vital role of student leaders who make a significant contribution to the culture of the university and communities. Student leaders attended a series of development programmes that provided professional training, information and consultative services to student leaders including development on a variety of life skills, key for survival for young leaders in line with the DUT ENVISION2030 strategy.
DUT management with student leaders at the Student Leadership Week Gala Dinner.
Dean of Students at DUT, Dr Clement Moreku delivered his opening remarks and acknowledged all attendees. In his speech, Dr Moreku applauded Executive Dean in the Faculty of Health Sciences at DUT, Professor Gugu Mchunu, members of the Provincial Legislature and other panel members for sharing their practical experiences in entrepreneurship and innovation with student leaders as it is part and parcel of what DUT stands for.
“From Tuesday when we started our leadership week, we were intentional in terms of ensuring that our sub-headings were about student leaders. Our key keynote address by Professor Mchunu really set the tone for the week and we are grateful for the wisdom that she shared with us. We also had some practitioners in business and members of the Provincial Legislature who played a very important role as members of the panel. We then proceeded, we looked at innovation and entrepreneurship leadership where we had our Director of Special Projects in the office of the Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohale who also gave us an informative keynote address on innovation and entrepreneurship,” he said.
DUT Institutional Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane delivered an insightful keynote address, encouraging student leaders to challenge themselves to be better leaders of the society.
“Engage in promotive discussions and develop valuable skills to enhance your leadership journey. Leadership is not about tittles and positions, it is about the positive impact one can have in communities, institutions of higher learning and in the entire world. It is also about supporting one another and striving for a better future. I encourage you to continue embracing your leadership potential. Take lessons learned, connections made and memories you have created and apply them in your everyday lives,” said Dr Nkonoane.
Amongst other distinguished guests from DUT were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC): People and Operations Dr Vuyo Mthethwa, Director: Special Projects in the Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s office Dr Matheakuena Mohale, Director of Protection Services: Mr Relibile Mofokeng, Financial Aid Unit Manager: Mr Absolom Manashe and Student Representative Council (SRC) Deputy President: Bongani Mchunu.
In closing, SRC President, Solomzi Zoleka gave the vote of thanks and acknowledged the contributions of those who worked really hard in making Student Leadership Week a success.
Pictured: Institutional Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane, Director: Special Projects in the Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s Office, Dr Matheakuena Mohale and SRC President, Solomzi Zoleka at the Student Leadership Week Gala Dinner
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.
Thubelihle Dumakude
