Durban University of Technology’s executive management and students discussed concerns raised by DUT students at the Leadership Indaba which was held at the Ritson Campus, last Friday.

This indaba is as a result of the first student leadership indaba which was held on 23 March 2017. Students raised a number of issues that they are faced with and which has lead to some student protest at the University.
DUT’s vice-chancellor and principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu said that DUT students were an integral part of the University and their contribution towards advancing fresh ideas and innovation from the institution must be recognised.

Concerns that were also raised by students, included shortage and poor accommodation issues, overcrowding of lecture halls, computer labs with out-dated software, NSFAS issues and unprepared lecturers.
Also present at the indaba, Professor Khehla Ndlovu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations at DUT, added that it was important that the executive management team finds time to discuss some pertinent issues that affected students and keep student leaders abreast on University issues.

“As a University, we have a 2.0 strategy plan which includes plans on where the University is heading as well as plans that are in place in terms of renovations of the University, going forward. “This plan also confirms what available spaces there will be for 2018 in order to minimise confusion about the availability of accommodation,” said Prof Ndlovu.

Dealing with financial issues related to student fees and funding by NSFAS, chief finance officer, Dheo Kumar said that many of the students were often excluded from the system due to owing of fees.
Kumar stated that the University has provided concessions to students who cannot meet their fee obligations. “A student owing a University from R5001 to R7000 is allowed to register, only if they pay R500 plus 10% of the outstanding balance at registration. This also applies to those owing from R15 001 and above, these students need to pay R2400 and 5% of the outstanding balance.

“This also applies to students who were previously funded by NSFAS and who are allowed to register after signing an acknowledgment of debt form,” said Kumar.

Teaching and Learning Deputy vice-chancellor, Professor Nomthandazo Gwele, pleaded with student leaders and DUT staff to not entertain those students who did not honour deadlines. “In terms of our transformation plan, there are two projects to assist our lecturers. English and isiZulu proficiency courses are being offered as part of our attempt at decolonisation of the curriculum,” she said.

Mbuso Kunene