REGISTRATION
INFORMATION
World University Rankings - Top 600

DUT’S SIBUSISO KHUMALO WINS A LAPTOP FOR COMPLETING BUSSE SURVEY

DUT’S SIBUSISO KHUMALO WINS A LAPTOP FOR COMPLETING BUSSE SURVEY

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) in partnership with Siyaphumelela recently awarded Bachelor of Education first year student, Sibusiso Khumalo a laptop and mouse for participating in the Beginning University Survey Student Engagement (BUSSE) at Indumiso Library.

The Executive Dean of Arts and Design, Professor Runette Kruger, Head of Department of Education Midlands Campuses, Dr Cynthia Mthiyane, Writing Centre Head of Department, Dr Nonhlanhla Khumalo, Executive Secretary to the Midlands Campuses Director, Mrs Silindile Qwabe, Midlands Librarian and Coordinator Ms Lindiwe Gumede and Siyaphumelela Project Coordinator, Nivedhna Singh were the esteemed guests who attended the laptop handover ceremony.

Khumalo expressed his excitement and gratitude for winning and receiving such valuable items.
“At first, I was sceptical thinking that it might be a scam, but I am glad to have participated, it feels like a dream as I was still trying to find ways of saving money to purchase a laptop. I am looking forward to using the laptop in pursuit of my studies, especially since classes are attended virtually,” said Khumalo.

“Siyaphumelela is an initiative which seeks to broaden evidence-based post-secondary student success strategies; the programme focuses on building student success through data analytics. It is a three-year challenge grant which is currently on phase 2. The grants are made available by the Kresge Foundation and their goals are to improve institutional capacity by collecting and integrating data with Institutional Research, ICT (ITS), Academic Development, Planning, and Academic Divisions. The project aligns with the South African Universities Models of Success in using data analytics to improve student outcomes by creating greater awareness and support for using data to improve student success. Siyaphumelela also aims to build a culture of data-based evidence using a large cadre of experienced data analytics professionals supporting student success,” explained Singh.

She further spoke on the application process, saying that the BUSSE survey link which is administrated by the University of Free State was sent to all first-year students through SMS and Pinboard, details of all those who participated were captured and two lucky winners were then selected.

Prof Kruger who is passionate about the Siyaphumelela Initiative mentioned that she is proud of Khumalo.
“I am very proud that our student won, and I will be keeping an eye on him until he graduates. Khumalo seems to be a positive person and his attitude will bring him better opportunities. He should continue making the most of such opportunities and encourage others to do so,” added Kruger.

Congratulating Khumalo was Dr Mthiyane who relayed that his win of the amazing prizes would benefit him in his studies.

“I would also like to thank all students who participated in the survey and encourage all those who did not participate to do so in future,” she said.

She also expressed words of appreciation to the Siyaphumelela team for all the support and this kind of award to students.

“Siyaphumelela is an excellent programme that supports students and assist them to succeed in record time, a great way of ensuring that we do not just focus on student access to the University but also ensure they succeed. We are looking forward to more students’ activities that will help them grow academically,” she conveyed.

Pictured: Executive Dean of Arts and Design, Professor Runette Kruger, School of Education HOD, Dr Cynthia Mthiyane, and winner Sibusiso Khumalo.

Zanele Mashaba

No comments