The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Office of the Campus Director recently held a two-day Midlands Management Team-Building Workshop in Drakensberg. The workshop was aimed at enhancing collaboration, strengthening leadership abilities and promoting effective communication in alignment with the DUT’s strategic objectives.
The workshop was coordinated in alignment with DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy, focusing on nurturing a people-centred culture that embodies the university’s values and principles.
When unpacking the purpose of the workshop, the DUT Midlands Campuses Director, Professor Mashupye Kgaphola emphasised its alignment with DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy, mainly the goal to nurture a people-centred culture embodying DUT values and principles.
“The team-building workshop aimed to provide the Midlands campuses leadership and representatives an opportunity to share experiences, reflect on working conditions and evaluate their alignment with ENVISION2030. It also focused on addressing department coordination challenges by fostering open dialogue to improve collaboration and accountability. Lastly, the workshop included non-work activities to promote staff well-being, creating a supportive and re-energising work environment,” said Prof Kgaphola.
The workshop was attended by Heads of Departments (HODs) from various departments, including Student Services, Student Administration, Finance, Procurement, Real Estate Management, Writing Centre, Library, Protection Services, CELT, Logistics & Transport, Applied Management, Civil Engineering, School of Education, Finance and Information Management, Nursing, Ecotourism and Public Management, Law and Economics. This diverse representation ensured a holistic approach to addressing operational challenges and enhancing departmental synergy.
Day one started with presentations from different departments, highlighting annual activities and operational priorities, followed by discussions and a guest presentation on leadership. The second day began with a session on DUT’s Living Values Framework, culminating in interactive team-building activities designed to foster togetherness and mutual understanding.
DUT Director of Development and Talent Management: Human Capital, Mr Avhatakali Nenungwi, emphasised the importance of the DUT Living Values Framework during his presentation.
“As DUT continues to grow, the dedication of the Midlands leadership team to the Living Values Framework demonstrates the importance of unity in values and principles across the university. This unified approach ensures that everyone, leaders, employees and students contributes to a shared sense of purpose and pride in being part of DUT,” he said.
Nenungwi highlighted that practising these values is a collective responsibility that will inspire a culture of excellence and integrity within the university.
Reflecting on the workshop, DUT Writing Centre Lecturer, Dr Nonhlanhla Khumalo expressed her gratitude to the Office of the Campus Director and highlighted the significance of the workshop.
“The team-building workshop was significant and long overdue. It provided us with an opportunity to collaborate on projects, understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and foster a sense of belonging. Our sincere gratitude goes to the Office of the Campus Director for providing us with such an opportunity,” she said.
The workshop accentuated the Midlands leadership team’s commitment to embodying DUT’s mission and values. By fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability and shared purpose, the team continues to lay a strong foundation for a thriving and inclusive university environment, reinforcing DUT’s standing as a respected institution committed to excellence and integrity.
Sindisiwe Ndlovu
