The International Education and Partnerships (IEP) office at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted the First Time International Students’ Orientation Day to officially welcome the new international students. The event was held at the ML Sultan campus, on Tuesday, 04 March 2025.
Delivering the welcoming remarks was Dr Divinia Jithoo, IEP Manager said it was with great excitement and honour to welcome the international students to DUT. She applauded the students for choosing DUT as it is a university that is not only globally recognised, but also deeply committed to shaping a transformative future through its ENVISION2030 strategy.
“For our students who are joining the university for the first time, you will come to know of ENVISION2030 quite well through your student career with us. So this year you will join a vibrant community of learning innovators and changemakers from across the globe at DUT. So together, let us call the brighter future for yourselves, for communities and the world. Welcome to DUT, this is your new home. Your home away from home. We hope that you will enjoy your stay,” remarked Dr Jithoo.
Speaking on international student services offered at DUT, Ms Carol Newman, an International Education Officer said her office is there to support the students and her door is always open to offer any help and guidance the students might need. She indicated that her office offers student support from registration to the legal requirements for them to be at DUT. Newman revealed that they also assist with letters for students to get their study visa renewed. In a case where they do not have answers, Newman indicated that they get into contact with the relevant units to assist. She invited the students to attend their exciting projects that they have planned for them this year.
Two DUT librarians, Ms Dudu Radebe, a subject librarian and Ms Patricia Badenhorst, a postgraduate librarian gave insight on the library services and resources from the undergraduate to the postgraduate students. The two ladies also showed the students how to access the libraries online when on and off campus.
A psychologist under the Student Counselling and Health at DUT, Ms Candice McCain shared that her unit’s purpose is to provide critical, high quality psycho-social emotional, academic and medical support services to students to prepare them for the world, work and society. She encouraged the international students to reach out to her office whenever they feel overwhelmed emotionally and physically.
Sister Caren Jagessar, Senior Professional Nurse under Student Health at DUT spoke on the four campus health clinics available at DUT’s Steve Biko, City, Ritson and ML Sultan campuses. She encouraged the students to access the clinics which offers services for free to all registered students. According to Sister Jagessar the clinics offers treatment for minor ailments, e.g. cough and colds, treatment for sexually transmitted infections and all contraceptives.
A returning international student, Ms Chantelle Jambere facilitated the ice-breaking session to put the new students at ease and to help them mingle with the other students.
Amongst the speakers was Ms Nikita Balram from Momentum who presented briefly on the medical aid they offer to international students. Another speaker, Mr Lindokuhle Zwane, a DUT Sports Officer encouraged the students to join the various sport codes offered at DUT. He advised that the affiliation is open to all registered students and invited them to join the student gym.
Enticing the students to the various clubs available at DUT was Ms Kholeka Mfeka from the Student Governance and Development unit. She advised the students to not only focus on academics but also join the various clubs and to create lifetime memories at DUT.
Ms Nonhlanhla Mbatha from the Student and Residence Life unit at DUT shared insight on their inhouse and leased residences. She was shocked to find out that from the group that attended the orientation, none of the students were staying at the residences.
Extending a warm welcome on behalf of the DUT Student Representative Council, Melusi Tshabalala assured the international students that the SRC is there to advocate for them and they are welcome to reach out to the SRC when they are facing any challenges at DUT.
The President of the International Students Organisation (ISO), Cyril Ejidike who is a PhD student in Construction Management at DUT welcomed the new students to the ISO community.
“To our new students, congratulations on taking this bold step to join the DUT ISO family. You are embarking on a remarkable journey, and you have chosen a university that thrives on diversity, innovation and inclusion. We are here to make your transition as smooth and rewarding as possible. Please know that you are not alone; you now have a family of peers, mentors and support systems rooting for your success,” shared Ejidike.
He encouraged them to make the most of every opportunity that comes their way and take advantage of the incredible resources available at DUT.
Pictured: First time international students during their orientation.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Simangele Zuma
