The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has been highly praised by the Employment and Labour Relations Ministry for its immense contribution and initiative towards equipping its students for the World of Work.
Minister Thulas Nxesi expressed his gratitude for the work done by the University and its Cooperative Education unit in ensuring that DUT students and graduates are granted the opportunity to practice what they have been theoretically been taught in the classroom. “Thank you for this opportunity to engage and exchange information. Firstly, allow me to congratulate the organisers of this important event now in its 12th year. You (DUT) are doing a great job as employers, you have devoted time and resources to informing the students of the many careers and training opportunities that exist out there. This is a mutually beneficial engagement for all those concerned, the students get an insight into what is expected of them in the labour market and the opportunities that exist. Employers get an opportunity to know what the students are thinking and what they can bring to the party. The relationship between the World of Work and the academy is vital for producing graduates that can add value and bring to birth the relevant skills when they find employment,” said Minister Nxesi.
Minister Nxesi attended the DUT World of Work (WoW) gala dinner on Wednesday, 14 August 2019, which was held at the Durban Exhibition Centre. This morning, (Thursday, 15 August 2019), the Minister and his Deputy Minister Boitumelo Moloi also visited the various exhibitors at the exhibition which was held at DUT’s Ritson Campus.
Speaking at the event today, Minister Nxesi congratulated the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of DUT, Professor Thandwa Mthembu and the Department of Cooperative Education for managing to increasing number of companies and organisations that are now part of WoW. “There were many other departments involved in making this day happen, and in a spectacular way. The number of companies and many organisations have been increasing and we appreciate that,” added Prof Mthembu.
The two-day annual event was attended by 175 companies with over 700 representatives from different companies and partners from industry. WoW is organised by DUT’s department of Cooperative Education and ends with a gala-dinner on the evening of the first day. Various companies in sectors ranging from retail, municipalities, government, Seta Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), SMME’s and engineering exhibit at the event. These companies are potential employers of DUT students after graduation. Over the 22 years since its inception, many University students have immensely benefited from the two-day affair.
Pictured: The Deputy Minister: Employment and Labour relations, Boitumelo Moloi, the Minister: Employment and Labour Relations, Thulas Nxesi attentively listening to DUT student and Cooperative Education Intern, Lungelo Mchunu sharing her experiences on the impact of WoW.
Pictured: DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal: Professor Thandwa Mthembu, Deputy Minister Employment and Labour Relations: Boitumelo Moloi, the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Thulas Nxesi with Moses Kotane Institute’s Mthokozisi Buthelezi during the Ministerial visit at DUT’s WoW exhibition.
Noxolo Memela, Nomkhuleko Thutshini and Sanele Xaba
