The Logistical Services unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted a Bus Coordinators’ Awards Ceremony Gala Dinner at Walsingham Residence. The award ceremony was aimed to honour student bus coordinators and bus drivers who go beyond their duties in ensuring students safety and smooth bus operations.
Acting Director of Logistical Services at DUT, Mr Steven Mkhize warmly welcomed the guests, Campus Pro, Sport Administration unit, Student Housing and Residence Life unit and the Student Representatives Council (SRC), Human Capital Services and the Teaching and Learning office, highlighting the importance of collaboration.
Mr Mkhize further warmly greeted Bus coordinators comprising of DUT students and interns, making emphasises on DUT’s objective of producing adaptive graduates as enshrined in the university’s ENVISION2030 strategy.
Mkhize further praised the Logistical Services interns for their significant role in coordinating the event, further emphasising the importance of collaboration.
“It is all about our superstars, the people that play a significant role in ensuring that all our students are in class on time. A very special thanks to the bus coordinators and drivers for ensuring our students’ safety. This event proves that through teamwork anything is achievable,’’ said Mkhize.
Delivering a keynote speech on behalf of the Dean of Students, Ms Thulile Duma mentioned that to recognise such an event was very important because it promoted excellence. She indicated that for people to be given an opportunity to be recognised for the work they do, their contribution in the university was amazing.
“Sometimes staff feel less important because of their positions in the institution, however the truth is that it is not about the positions you are holding, it is about the impact and contribution you make to inspire others,’’ added Duma.
Discussing the DUT Living Values framework, Mr Avhatakali Nenungwi, Director of the Organisational Development and Talent Management at the DUT Human Capital Services, highlighted that this framework is like a bible at DUT. A bible that guides DUT how to talk to one another, behave at work, home and other places.
“All staff, students and stakeholders must live by these living values and principles. It is not just words on a piece paper, but it is about our behaviour. How we treat one another. These events exemplify exactly a day of excellence and recognition,’’ said Nenungwi.
Nenungwi also praised Logistical Services and their impact in a short space of time, impacting young leaders.
“Recently there is high improvement in terms of the traffic, it has become easy to drive in and out of the campus. That alone deserve an award. We are very proud of the Logistical Services Team. You are indeed delivering excellence you are showing us practical examples of how excellence can be delivered,’’ he added.
DUT Logistical Services intern, Mr Sibonga Shezi shared a Student Transportation presentation, detailing data on their daily operations, improvements and challenges using data collected by bus coordinators.
Before delivering his presentation Shezi extended his gratitude to everyone who assisted in making the event a successful one.
“We are very grateful to them. The reason I am mentioning excellence is because they all went above and beyond, sacrificing their own time to ensure that they assist us in whatever we want. That is what excellence speaks about. They made sure that today is all about DUT,’’ said Shezi.
In his presentation, Shezi also highlighted the importance of communication as the fundamental factor in their successful operation. He also mentioned that one of the biggest challenges they managed to achieve is reduction in overloads. He also mentioned the importance of continuous improvement applying theory of constraints which were taught by the Senior Director of Real Estate Management, Mr Thabani Mhlongo.
DUT Fleet Manager, Ms Bonisiwe Mbatha also delivered a very informative presentation highlighting the importance of transport and the role it plays on people’s daily lives. She provided tips on safety measures to avoid being hijacked and travel tips.
“There are three choices that I always recommend to people before travelling. Always confirm if it is safe, sustainable, and active travel. The weather conditions, the transport mode, the travel duration and always know the place you are going to when travelling,’’ said Mbatha.
She also mentioned to always inspect one’s car before driving it; and gave a list of must-have things in the vehicle for safety, emergency kits, medical contacts and one’s blood type sticker in case of accidents.
Extending a brief appreciation on behalf of the Bus Coordinators was Mnotho Mthethwa from Hlelo Prenton Res, who said they are appreciative and do not take this gesture lightly.
“Who knew that we will be appreciated like this gesture which is not small. It means a lot to us. To notice that we are also important is invaluable, we are grateful,’’ added Mthethwa.
Among others who graced the podium was Mhleli Zuma, SRC Organisation and Accommodation officer and the SRC President, Solomzi Zoleka, who were among the audience.
Ms Sushi Moodley from the Vice Chancellor’s office said she was very proud and honoured to be part of this wonderful moment. “Thank you, organisers, students, bus coordinators, leadership and everyone who contributed to this success. Hopefully we will be continuing to engage soon,’’ added Moodley.
Award recipients were; Siyanda Zwane (Hajeni Res) Bus Driver of the Year, Siphiwe Majola (Alcindor Res) Most Committed Bus Driver, Musawenkosi Gazu (Incence 314) Most Reliable Bus driver, Sabata Mbese (Astra Res), Zimele Gasa, (Santok2 Res) Best Assisting Bus Driver.
Most consistent Bus Coordinator throughout the whole year; Siphesihle Ndlovu (Hlelo Umbilo res) Best Bus Conductor for Cluster 1, Minenhle Mzimela (Silver Tuip res), Best for Cluster 2, Nombuzo Nsimbi (Alcindor Trading) Best Bus Conductor for Cluster 3.
Outstanding performance and dedication as Bus Coordinator of the Month: Lindokuhle Meyiwa, Intshuba Berea for Month of May, Lauryn Rooyen (Diamond Glaze Res) Month of August, Nontokozo Ngcobo (Olwandle Res) for Month of August, Qiniso Gumede (Bayaphambili Res) Month of August, Nothando Ntshangase (Four Seasons Res) Month of September and Nhlakanipho Ntaka (Lynnfield Estates Res) Month of September.
Pictured: Attendees at the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Logistical Services Bus Coordinators’ Award Ceremony Gala Dinner at Walsingham Residence.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese
Vukani Langa
