To officially welcome all first-time entering students and solidify the university’s commitment to student success, the Durban University of Technology (DUT), through a collaboration between the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) and Student Services will be hosting the Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s Welcome Address and Parents Day at the Curries Fountain Stadium on Tuesday, 03 February 2026.
The DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu will be addressing new students and parents as part of the ADAPT@DUT First-Year Student Orientation Week, set to commence in Durban on Tuesday, 03 February 2026 to Saturday, 07 February 2026. The Midlands Orientation Week will start on Wednesday, 04 February 2026 to Saturday, 07 February 2026 at the Indumiso Sport Centre in Pietermaritzburg.
The Welcome Address will be the new students’ first formal encounter with the DUT leadership. Prof Mthembu is expected to articulate DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy, culture, and living values, unpacking how these translates into opportunities for the students.
Dr Mzwandile Khumalo, Coordinator of the Student Academic Support and Development unit said this initiative reflects the university’s commitment to enhancing student transition, success, and holistic development through evidence-informed and cross-unit collaboration.
“Grounded in contemporary student transition and engagement theories, the ADAPT@DUT programme is strategically designed to facilitate a seamless academic and social integration of first-time entering students into the university environment. It seeks to promote student success, persistence, and retention by positioning students as active participants and co-creators in shaping their own educational and developmental experiences,” explained Dr Khumalo.
He further clarified that the ADAPT@DUT First-Year Student Orientation Programme is a semester-long initiative, structured into three distinct segments, each designed to scaffold students’ transition, engagement, and academic success. The three segments include a two-day online Pre-Orientation which will take place Saturday, 31 January 2026 and Sunday, 01 February 2026. It is aimed at equipping students with essential information and address common questions related to travelling to the university and navigating residence entry. The second segment is the Orientation Week and the Post Orientation ADAPT@DUT student success campaign, which is a year-long programme facilitated through the First-Year Student Experience and Residence-Life initiatives, working collaboratively to strengthen students’ sense of belonging, enhance academic performance, and cultivate a supportive and enriching campus culture for first-year students.
According to Dr Khumalo, the overarching goal of the ADAPT@DUT Programme is to enhance the first-year student experience by providing intentional, facilitative, and experiential learning interventions.
Some of the first-year students have completed their registration and are looking forward to Orientation Week. Nokuphila Ndebele who has enrolled for a Diploma in Business Information and Management, expressed pride and excitement at becoming a DUT student. “I am very excited and proud to be finally enrolled at DUT. This is a new chapter in my life, and I am looking forward to learning more about my course and developing skills that will prepare me for the business world. I am also excited to attend orientation next week, where I hope to learn more about campus life and meet new people,” she said.
Asanda Mazibuko, a first-year student registered for a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electronic Engineering, described his enrolment as a dream come true. “Being enrolled at DUT feels like a dream come true. I am excited about starting my studies in Electronic Engineering. I am hoping to gain both theoretical and practical knowledge. I am really looking forward to orientation, as it will help me understand what is expected of me and give me a chance to meet the university management and connect with fellow students,” he explained.
Pictured: DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu during the 2025 Orientation Week.
Simangele Zuma/Sinamile Sithole
