The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Midlands Project Management Office through the Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct (IEIP) recently held the IEIP Hybrid Inaugural Steering Committee Meeting concurrently via Microsoft Teams and physically at DUT, Indumiso Campus.

The Programme Director was the Department of Higher Education and Training Deputy Director-General Mr Samuel Zungu who is responsible for TVET colleges. 

Esteemed guests who participated in the programme were the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct Champion: Dr Blade Nzimande, DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu, DUT Midlands Campus Director: Dr Joe Molete, Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct (IEIP) Manager: Mr Mfanozelwe Shozi, uMgungundlovu TVET College (UTVET) Principal: Ms Ntombi Ntshangase, Ward 19 Councillor, Mr Vusi Ngwenya and  Sukuma Comprehensive School Principal, Mr Sibusiso Radebe. The inauguration was also attended by various other guests from different government departments and the industry. Mr Zungu welcomed and acknowledged everyone who managed to attend the meeting within their busy schedules. 

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct Champion: Dr Blade Nzimande delivered the keynote address. 

“It is indeed my pleasure to be addressing this hybrid inaugural for the IEIP Steering Committee Meeting. The meeting is to assist everyone to receive an update regarding this ministerial project. It is in the hand of the Steering Committee members to guide this project towards its success, and I believe that with the numerous skills, background and experiences the members possess, the project will be a success within the stipulated time frame,” said Dr Nzimande. 

He went on to emphasise that he gives full support and urges different stakeholders who form part of IEIP to make the project a priority, work collectively and also create partnership with industries in order to ensure that the primary goal for the project is achieved. 

The DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Mthembu when sharing his words of support, acknowledged the minister and other IEIP Steering Committee members for the commitment to ensuring that this project is a success. 

“There is still a huge amount of work to be done, however, I am ecstatic with the progress that we have received so far. It really shows that we have enthusiastic staff members who want to meet the overall objectives and goals of the project. I will continue to give full support and all the best to the members of the Steering Committee,” stated Prof Mthembu. 

The uMgungundlovu TVET College (UTVET) Principal: Ms Ntombi Ntshangase expressed her appreciation for the level of commitment and energy demonstrated by the Steering Committee team and she believes that the future does look bright for the IEIP. 

Sukuma Comprehensive School Principal: Mr Sibusiso Radebe through his words of support mentioned that the different hubs within the Precinct will be very beneficial to their learners. He went on to say that such projects especially those that are implemented to bring huge and positive change in people’s lives, they tend to always have challenges, nonetheless, through commitment and collaboration among stakeholders those challenges can be resolved.

“Our school has introduced technical subjects that will align with tertiary institutions in order to allow learners to link easily with the universities. I would like to thank the Committee for allowing us to be part of the IEIP and we are looking forward to working together in ensuring that the goals of the project are met,” he added. 

Ward 19 Councillor Mr Vusi Ngwenya in his speech referred to the IEIP as the surgery of minds which will benefit the community, especially the youth. 

“I have looked at and analysed the change that this project will bring within our community, therefore, I must acknowledge that it is indeed within the best interest to develop the members of the community. I would like to welcome this project with open hands and I will provide support where required. I hope that whatever challenges that will be encountered along the way can be resolved as the IEIP will create great opportunities,” said Mr Ngwenya. 

The Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct (IEIP) Manager: Mr Mfanozelwe Shozi through his presentation on the IEIP strategy and overview, outlined the vision, mission, values and principles, the seed funding, different stakeholders, project updates and other valuable information. 

“It is imperative that we create relationships with the different industries, especially the ones that are situated close to us. We also need to take consideration of the work environment. I request that all Steering Committee members always share information that will add value to the project. We need to work collectively and fast to ensure that this project brings the change that we are intending or more” said Mr Shozi. 

DUT Midlands Campus Director: Dr Joe Molete unpacked the strategy and concept document developed. Through his presentation, he outlined the crucial elements for a successful precinct which includes Education, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Environment and Infrastructure, Planning and the DUT ENVISION2030 strategic perspectives aligned with the IEIP. 

“In order for the project to be a success, it is significant to embrace strategic perspectives which involve stewardship where we create a positive impact to the people in the society, engage extensively with stakeholders, have good advocacy, embrace creative people and operate on a green ecosystem. I would like to thank everyone who is committed and working very hard in ensuring that the work is done as the IEIP has bigger and better plans for the future,” said Dr Molete. 

During the discussion session, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Prof Nhlanhla Mkhize raised his concern about the mental health and articulation issues that need to be taken into consideration. 

“I would like express appreciation and I am extremely pleased to be part of this exciting and visionary venture. Research shows that over the past years South Africa has high educational drop rates and most of them are accounted on different mental issues within our community. I would like to suggest that we look at this issue holistically as these impact on the level of thinking and learning of the learners,” he said. 

He went on to emphasize that it is significant to consider building a curriculum on high-level thinking skills to the project because even with excellent facilities and resources if the learner’s mental health is affected the facilities may be destroyed within a short period of time. 

In his closing remarks, Mr Shozi thanked everyone who attended and participated in the meeting. He also requested the Steering Committee members to give feedback and input on the presentation as it will assist in ensuring that the project succeeds. 

Pictured: DUT Vice-Chancellor: Prof Mthembu when sharing his words of support.

Zanele Mashaba