On Friday, 11 February 2022, first year students at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) were treated to a Sports and Culture Day. The Sports and Culture day exposed first year students to the different sport codes that the University has on offer. The Sports and Culture day formed part of the five day first year orientation which was held between Monday, 7 February to Friday, 11 February 2022.

The two programme directors for the event Mpumelelo Shangase and Zamile Ngcobo shared that DUT offered soccer, rugby, cricket, e-sports, netball, squash and para-sports. These codes are divided between the two campuses (Durban and the Midlands campus).

Presentations were led by the Head of DUT Sport Administration Department, Mr Bongani Yengwa, followed by students doing sports at DUT.  

Highlighting the activities of the department of Sports Administration at DUT, Yengwa revealed that DUT has a total of 29 sporting codes. According to Yengwa the Sports Administration offices can be found in both the Midlands and Durban campuses. In the Midlands the office is situated in Indumiso campus and in Durban it is based at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, Steve Biko Campus.

“In our 29 sports codes, our teams participate in the community leagues, they participate in the regional and professional provincial leagues. One of the things that we also make sure we cater for is the students with disabilities. We also have a person solely responsible for the students living with disability group, to ensure that they also participate in sports. Last year, 2021, we had our rugby team participate in the Varsity Shield and this year again they will be participating once again.  We are urging you to support our teams that participate in the higher competitions, as I have mentioned rugby, Varsity Shield and the Women’s Football team they are participating in the Varsity Football this year. We are looking forward to it, if you are not playing come and support us,” Yengwa said.  

Those interested in joining any of the DUT sporting codes, also have a chance to be selected to play for the South African National team for students, as they normally have their World Students Games that happens once in every two years. Yengwa stated that DUT normally takes part in the University Sports National Championship annually, so those selected to play in the first teams at DUT also get a chance to represent DUT in those competitions. He added that he was looking forward to seeing the students in the sports fields showcasing their talents.  

Sharing his experience in playing for the DUT soccer team for almost two years, Mr Mohamed Canthitoo said they play in the SAB Leagues as well as travel to the various teams that play in the Motsepe League. He noted that there are also various Residence League teams which one can join.  

“I think the advantages of playing in a soccer team or any extracurricular activity is that you get all the blood flowing through your body and keep your mind refreshed and energised to get to the books,” said Canthitoo.  

Sharing the same sentiments, Ms Samkelisiwe Shezi who plays in the DUT Women’s Football team said there are so many opportunities. In 2021, Shezi was part of the team which played in the Varsity Football for the first time, which was an amazing experience for her.  

Students playing in the netball, cricket, rugby, e-sports and the indigenous games at DUT had a chance to share their experiences and offer advice to first year students, emphasising the importance of having a balance between sports and their books in order to succeed.  

Pictured: Head of Sports Administration Department at DUT, Mr Bongani Yengwa.  

Simangele Zuma