Durban University of Technology (DUT) proudly celebrates Sphelele Dlamini, a third-year Marketing and Retail student and the visionary founder of Maswamahle Youth Development NPC, who has once again been recognised for his remarkable dedication to community engagement.
At the Faculty of Management Sciences, Department of Marketing and Retail Annual Student Awards 2025, held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Dlamini was awarded the prestigious Community Engagement Award. This marks the second consecutive year he has received this accolade, a testament to his consistent and impactful contributions to the UNI4ALL Programme.
The UNI4ALL Programme, a flagship initiative supported by the DUT Community Engagement Office, plays a crucial role in assisting Grade 12 learners with their tertiary education applications, particularly by navigating online platforms. This programme not only streamlines the university application process for prospective students but also empowers current DUT students, equipping them with essential career guidance tools to help learners make informed academic and career decisions. Sphelele’s leadership in this initiative directly aligns with DUT’s broader commitment to pedagogical innovation and skills development, as highlighted in the university’s ENVISION2030 strategy.
Reflecting on his recurring success, Dlamini expressed profound gratitude: “I was very happy upon receiving this award, because it shows that I am being recognized and that my work is being acknowledged as a student of the department.” He added that a special moment of the day was sharing it with Ms Phumzile Xulu, the DUT’s Engagement Practitioner, who oversees the UNI4ALL Programme. “It came as a surprise to me when I saw Ms Xulu at the awards. I didn’t know she was going to be there, but it made me very happy to see her.”
Dlamini further extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Community Engagement Office for their unwavering encouragement and support. “I would like to thank the DUT Community Engagement Office for the support they have given me throughout the years. The good communication between us has made me feel valued, not just myself, but also all the other students supported by the CE Office. I really appreciate it.” This collaborative spirit fostered by the CE Office is key to nurturing students to be adaptive graduates.
Through his consistent dedication and inspiring leadership, Sphelele Dlamini continues to exemplify DUT’s profound commitment to engaged scholarship and impactful community partnerships. His work not only enriches the lives of countless learners but also significantly strengthens the university’s role as a catalyst for positive societal change, making a lasting impact on both the academic community and the wider public.
Pictured: Sphelele Dlamini
Phumeza Msongelwa
