The Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning at the Durban University of Technology recently hosted a three-day workshop dedicated to nurturing the growth of Grow Our Own Timber (GOOT) Emerging Academics and Future Professors. This workshop took place at Salt Rock, Ballito.

The workshop was aimed to empower attendees with skills for academic excellence and leadership in higher education. Attendees engaged with seasoned professors from all disciplines, gained insights on effective teaching strategies, research development, publications, and career progression in their academic field.

In one of his talks during the workshop, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Dr Nevhuthalu emphasised the importance of the opportunity of being part of the GOOT programme, “ it is an honour to be afforded an opportunity like this, you should grab it with both hands and work hard to realise your academic potential” said Dr Nevhuthalu.

Dr Nevhuthalu went on to further highlight the importance of collaboration between emerging scholars and future professors, encouraging participants to leverage each other’s strengths, and to also share knowledge, and lastly build a supportive academic opportunity.

The attendees described the workshop as insightful and expressed that it gave them a clear sense of direction in steering their academic careers. The workshop nurtured networking and collaboration among the participants which created a community of future academic leaders.

In his closing remarks, Dr Nevhuthalu reiterated the institution’s commitment to taming a pipeline of academic talent to sustain and also enhance the quality of higher education, the feedback for the attendees highlighted the importance and relevance of the workshop’s and its positive impact on heir academic journey.

Pictured: GOOT Emerging Scholars and Future Professors.

Siphokazi Dlamini