In celebration of the 21st anniversary of the transition from Durban Institute of Technology to Durban University of Technology (DUT), Student Governance and Development Unit at DUT on Monday proudly hosted a cocktail party, as a form of welcoming delegates for the inaugural Continental Student Leadership Summit (CSLS). The Summit is set to take place from 8 to 11 July 2025, bringing together student leaders from across Africa to share ideas, learn from each other, and shape the future of student leadership on the continent.
Attended by the Institutional Registrar Dr Maditsane Nkonoane and Director of Special Projects in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor at the DUT, Dr David Mohale, the event aimed at officially welcoming attendees of the summit, distribution of summit material and allowing the delegates to complete their summit registrations.
In alignment with DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy, the summit will serve as a dynamic platform for student leaders to acquire knowledge, share experiences, and foster intercultural competence. It also aimed at highlighting the power of student governance in advancing innovation and transformation, both locally and globally. Through keynote addresses, focus groups, and rich cultural engagement, delegates will interact, collaborate, and envision solutions for Africa and globally.
Mr Masiza Ngculu, Students Governance and Development Unit Manager, delivered a warm welcome to the delegates, emphasising the importance of active participation in the summit’s activities and encouraging students to share their ideas and insights to shape the future of student leadership.
Amongst the attendees were student leaders from various South African universities, including Wits University, University of Free State, University of Zululand, Vaal University, Central University of Technology, and Sol Plaatje University, as well as continental students from Ghana and Kenya, all coming together to share ideas and experiences at the Continental Student Leadership Summit (CSLS).
Key Outcomes Expected are:
- Strengthened student leadership and innovation capacities.
- Enhanced cultural and regional solidarity among African and diaspora student leaders.
- Creation of enduring Pan-African student-led networks and initiatives.
- Positioning of DUT and CSLS as a hub for progressive student leadership and scholarship on the continent.
The guests enjoyed a delightful evening, savoring a well-prepared dinner while being treated to captivating entertainment, including soulful poetry recitals and vibrant traditional dancing, which added to the warmth and festive atmosphere of the occasion.
Pictured: One of the attendees at the Cocktail Party.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Thubelihle Dumakude
