The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment recently hosted a postgraduate orientation programme, providing new students with valuable insights into academic expectations, research opportunities, and the wide range of support services available to help them succeed in their studies.
Held on 2 June 2026, the orientation served as an important platform for students to engage with faculty leadership, institutional support units, and fellow researchers as they embark on the next stage of their academic journey.
Professor Molusiwa Ramabodu, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty, delivered the opening and welcoming address. He emphasised the importance of embracing digital platforms as part of the academic journey while highlighting the need for students to adhere to submission requirements and timelines to ensure academic success.
The orientation was enriched by the presence of key institutional stakeholders and support units. Representatives from the Library and Support Services, the Institutional Research Ethics Committee (IREC), the Writing Centre, Student Governance, Research Capacity Development and Postgraduate Support, Finance, the Research and Postgraduate Support – Grants Management Division, and the IEEE Student Branch engaged directly with students. Their participation underscored DUT’s commitment to providing a holistic support system that empowers postgraduate students academically, professionally, and personally.
Adding to the significance of the event, guests from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University attended the programme, strengthening international collaboration and highlighting DUT’s growing global partnerships in research and education.
Students were also introduced to the faculty’s research facilities, mentorship programmes, and collaborative projects with industry partners. The event encouraged networking among peers, lecturers, and institutional representatives, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
The orientation concluded with a message of encouragement, reminding students of the important role they will play in advancing engineering innovation and contributing to sustainable development.
Professor Ramabodu’s address, together with the participation of support services and international guests, set the tone for a year of academic excellence, innovation, and collaboration, reaffirming DUT’s commitment to developing future leaders in engineering and the built environment.
Pictured: Professor Molusiwa Ramabodu, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.
Photographer: Zamani Mathe.
Sibonisile Mdlozini
