The Student Governance Unit recently hosted the Registry Living Values Event at the DUT Hotel School Conference Centre, recognising the contributions of the Champions of the DUT Living Values and celebrating students who actively promote the University’s values.
The event provided a platform to encourage students to embrace and integrate the DUT Living Values into their everyday lives, leadership roles and interactions with others.
Directed by Nkululeko Mbatha, the programme opened with remarks from Student Representative Council Deputy President, Qhawe Mtengu, followed by an entertainment performance by the award-winning DUT Chorale.
Champions of the Living Values Chairperson, Noluthando Gasa, also reflected on the students’ journey in promoting the University’s values and the lessons learnt along the way.
“When we started this, many of us did not know what to expect. Along the way, we discovered that leadership is not about knowing everything. It is about having a willingness to learn, serve and take responsibility. One of the greatest lessons that we have learnt is that values are not simply words; they are reflected in our daily actions,” said Gasa.
Delivering the keynote address, Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku, highlighted the importance of building a university community grounded in mutual respect, accountability and integrity.
“Our Living Values Framework is what defines the corporate culture of DUT. We all come from different backgrounds, we all have different value systems but it is important for us to have something that guides us, hence the Living Values Framework. The Living Values are an embodiment of the beliefs, principles, and behaviours that make us different from the rest,” said Dr Moreku.
One of the highlights of the event was the Living Values Awards, which recognised the contributions of the Champions of the Living Values, as well as students who participated in the Living Values Video Competition.
Kwandile Simelane, one of the competition winners, expressed his excitement after securing first place in the competition.
“I feel excited. I tried my best considering that I am currently in my third year of my Bachelor of Health Sciences in Chiropractic studies, which means I am always inundated with academic work. This recognition of my work is really important to me,” said Simelane.
Through student engagement, awareness campaigns, peer education and institutional activities, the Champions continue to play an important role in encouraging their peers to uphold the principles that shape the DUT community.
The formal proceedings concluded with closing remarks by Student Governance Officer, Dr Andile Masuku, who thanked the executive team, participants and stakeholders for their contributions throughout the year.
“Thank you to the executive and the entire team for putting all the programs together. This helped us to maintain the spirit of dialogue and participation,” said Dr Masuku.
The event reaffirmed DUT’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful and values-driven university community, while encouraging students to become ambassadors of positive change beyond the institution.
Pictured: Award winners at the Registry Living Values Event.
Photo: S’bonelo Dlamini
Sompisi Ntuli
