The Financial Aid unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted a highly impactful and engaging Bursary Day event at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, Steve Biko campus in Durban. The purpose of this initiative was to connect students with a wide range of funding partners and sponsors who are committed to supporting the academic journeys of financially disadvantaged yet deserving students enrolled at DUT.
This event reflected DUT’s proactive approach to addressing financial challenges that continue to hinder access and success in higher education. Students were offered a platform to directly engage with potential sponsors and gain insight into the various bursaries, scholarships, and funding opportunities available to them. In addition, it provided a space for DUT to demonstrate its continued alignment with its ENVISION2030 strategy, which promotes student empowerment, innovation, and community transformation.
Students came out in numbers to attend the Bursary Day event.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from the Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku, who expressed appreciation on behalf of the institution to everyone in attendance, including sponsors, students, university staff, and stakeholders. He commended the Financial Aid unit for its pivotal role in acting as a bridge between funders and students, and for continuously ensuring that support reaches those most in need. He emphasised that education was not just a personal pursuit but a collective investment in the future of communities and the country at large.
Financial Aid Manager, Mr Absolom Manashe extended his gratitude to all students, sponsors, and stakeholders present. In his speech, he acknowledged the hard work that went into planning the event and praised the commitment of all departments/units involved. He gave a special thanks to long-standing partners such as the Environmental Research Institute, BASF South Africa, and the Hollywood Foundation, among others, for their continued dedication to improving student success and wellbeing.
Manashe took the opportunity to announce exciting new developments in DUT’s financial support offerings. Among these is a newly approved undergraduate scholarship scheme aimed at rewarding academic excellence. He revealed that plans are underway to extend this support to postgraduate students in the near future, allowing even more students to benefit. Additionally, he introduced a Financial Business Programme designed to equip students with essential financial literacy and money management skills.
Furthermore, Manashe encouraged donors to uphold standards such as the 65% academic performance requirement, explaining that such expectations not only promote discipline and commitment but also increase the institution’s overall graduation rates. “Let us continue to work together to ensure that no student is left behind due to financial constraints,” he concluded.
Senior Financial Aid Counsellor, Keshan Govender, shared Student Testimonials and the Wall of Fame. He stated that sponsors are not merely funders but changemakers, dream enablers, and partners in transformation. He illustrated how bursaries and scholarships were not just financial lifelines, but powerful tools that restored dignity, nurtured aspirations, and created pathways to sustainable futures. Aligning his message with DUT’s ENVISION2030, Govender praised how each bursary reflected real-time action in pursuit of empowerment through education.
Representing the student voice, Student Representative Council (SRC) member, Ms Fezeka Majombozi delivered a heartfelt and emotional message of appreciation on behalf of all DUT students. She expressed deep gratitude to every sponsor, stakeholder, and staff member whose presence and contribution made the event possible. “The event was not just a celebration of support, but a recognition of the people and partnerships that make our dreams possible,” she said.
Majombozi emphasised that funding was more than just money it was a powerful declaration of faith in young people’s potential and in the transformative impact of education. She shared how many students have faced severe challenges in pursuing their academic goals, and how the generosity of sponsors has helped them persevere.
Sponsors were each given an opportunity to present their available bursaries, including detailed criteria and application procedures. This allowed students to ask questions and directly connect with representatives from organisations such as Kingdomslot, Hollywood Foundation, Lenovo, Naacam, National Disaster Management, and many others.
To add excitement and student spirit to the formal proceedings, entertainment acts were performed between speeches. These performances, delivered by DUT students, brought energy and creativity to the space, celebrating student talent while keeping attendees engaged. Sponsors also asked questions to the audience based on the information they had shared. Students who answered correctly walked away with valuable academic tools, including laptops, tablets, and other resources to support their studies.
Senior Financial Aid Counsellor, Thobeka Nzuza delivered the official vote of thanks. She extended sincere appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the Bursary Day, from the sponsors, DUT leadership to the student volunteers and organising teams.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Sinamile Sithole
