The department of Electrical Power Engineering at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted an informative and exciting first-year student orientation, at Steve Biko Campus, Durban. The ceremony drew enthusiastic students who all eager to start their DUT journey and explore the opportunities that lie ahead.
Specifically, the orientation programme was designed to introduce first-year engineering students to the DUT community and its values. As part of the comprehensive programme, students participated in educational sessions that covered important topics such as academic expectations, learning, and university life.
Professor Kayode Akindeji, acting HOD, warmly welcomed the university’s executive management, all support units present, and most importantly, the new students. He expressed his appreciation for their attendance at the orientation, which marked the beginning of an exciting journey at DUT.
Prof. Akindeji, in his address he highlighted that South Africa’s current problem is electricity and students made the right choice by choosing this course. He noted that the university’s commitment is to make sure that every student achieves their goal.
“We start our academic programs early because we want everyone who attends to complete in record time. You cannot construct a magnificent foundation on a weak foundation, as Gordon Hinckey famously stated. You need to have a solid foundation if you want to excel academically. From here, you can reach any level, including honors, masters, and so on,” he explained.
Dr Abayomi Adebiyi also took the podium to talk about the honours programme. “You guys are doing a three-year course degree, after you a done, you are expected to move to an honors degree which is NQF Level 8. This programme prepares you for the industry in terms of research so that you can contribute to enlarging the economy of the country,” he elaborated.
Professor Katleho Moloi, Executive Dean, extended a warm and enthusiastic welcome to all first-year students, inviting them to become a vital part of DUT.
“I am glad you are all here today thank you for attending something so beneficial to your academic life. The fact that you are a unique generation that survived COVID-19, loadshedding and are still standing makes me happy that you are all present today. You need a purpose if you want to make it through university. Nothing could prevent you from living your life as you desire, and we are not here to ruin your life or to make your life difficult, but a university needs cooperation to succeed, so you do your share and the institution does its share,” he said.
Prof Moloi also noted that the students had made an excellent choice in selecting DUT, as it was an institution that prioritized values and principles.
Dr Mohammed Khan, a senior lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, was amongst the guest who graced the podium.
“I am here today to give advice to you because of my 22 years of industry experience, not because of my academic background or my position as a senior lecture at UKZN. Thus, students may get employment with Eskom, the municipality, or mining following graduation. One of the topics covered in Bill Gates’ book titled Climate Disaster is doing things differently. You’ve probably heard the statement that if you keep doing things the same way, you can’t expect things to change. Therefore, you should always strive high and avoid meeting bare minimum on your assignments and exams,” Dr Mohammed said.
He further explained that being an academic, whether you end up on your PHD or master’s is that there is absolutely nothing that stops you from contributing to society.
Ntokozo Ntuli, a first-year student from Pietermaritzburg discussed what she hoped to get out of the orientation. “My expectations for today’s event are I hope to gain more knowledge that will improve in what I do and, in my career, wise,” she explained.
Luyanda Mthethwa, a first-year student, also shared his expectations as well. “My expectation for today orientation is to know more about Electrical Power Engineering and where it can take me in the near future,” he said.
During the orientation, 2024 students who excelled in their academics received awards as a gesture of appreciation for their hard work. The headliner was Kershan Moodley who won 10 awards in Honours Degree. Students also had engaging session where they were asked questions about the faculty, and they were given gifts for their participation.
In closing remarks Dr Nelson Chetty, Deputy HOD congratulated all the students for making to the university and extended appreciation to the staff for their contribution in ensuring the orientation was a successful one.
Pictured: Professor Kayode Akindeji, Department of Electrical Power Engineering HOD with Kershan Moodley Honours Degree student who won10 awards at the first-year orientation.
Photographer: Zamani Mathe
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