One of the strategic pillars for the Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct (IEIP) is Stewardship which encourages community engagement through meetings, workshops and more. In alignment to this strategic pillar, the IEIP recently hosted a Stakeholder Engagement Workshop at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Indumiso Campus.

Imbali Ward 19 Councillor: Mr Vusi Ngwenya, shared his opening remarks and welcomed all the guests to the workshop.

“It is indeed a great honour to be a part of this programme. As a Ward Councillor, I have looked and analysed every aspect of this project and my conclusion is that the success of it will not only benefit DUT, but also the community of the Imbali township in terms of economic upliftment and restoration of the ward,” said Mr Ngwenya.

The programme director for the workshop was the Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct (IEIP) Project Manager: Mr Mfanozelwe Shozi, who unpacked the purpose of the day and said that for the precinct to yield the expected result, it requires different stakeholders to collaborate and maximise resources.

“The purpose of this workshop is to give more insight about the Imbali Education Innovation Precinct concept; give a progress report on the development of the Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct; engage about the IEIP programmes and get input from stakeholders. Share IEIP plans and developments; and networking and identifying potential partners or collaborations,” stated Mr Shozi.

The workshop was attended by different stakeholders which included government departments, local businesses, neighbouring schools, Imbali community members, higher learning institutions and political leaders.

Delivering the IEIP overview was the DUT Midlands Campus Director: Dr Joe Molete.

“The IEIP strategy has been conditionally approved and there is a need to engage with different stakeholders which includes the Imbali community members. The project is very huge and requires a lot of funding, hopefully through the work that has already been done more partners will be willing to invest in making it a success,” stated Dr Molete.

He then mentioned that there are five strategic pillars which are planning, education, environment and infrastructure, innovation and stewardship. He then further highlighted some of the IEIP activities.

Umgungundlovu TVET Senior Project Coordinator: Ms Thulisile Mbhense presented on the programmes offered by the Umgungundlovu TVET College (UTVET) and gave an insight on how they form part of the IEIP.

Rise and Shine Junior Primary School Deputy Principal: Ms Zandile Mtambo, in her presentation, gave the background of the school. She further highlighted the plans, the school’s structure, and mentioned that in 2023 Rise and Shine will be introducing Grade 8.

The Umgungundlovu Municipality Senior Manager: Mr Sandile Zondi presented on behalf of the uMsunduzi Municipality Executive Mayor: Mr Mzimkhulu Thebolla, about the significance of collaboration, stating that the Msunduzi Municipality aims to engage with communities, especially on service delivery and revenue collection. He further said that the IEIP is such a great initiative and if everyone can see the bigger vision and work collaboratively, it can change the livelihood of many people and uplift the economy.

Subsequently, there was a question-and-answer session. Mr Shozi thanked everyone who honored the invitation and participated in the engagement.

Pictured: The Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct (IEIP) Project Manager: Mr Mfanozelwe Shozi, when unpacking the purpose of the day.

Zanele Mashaba