The Durban University of Technology (DUT), through its Logistical Services function within Real Estate Management, officially handed over two transport vehicles to the Disability Rights Unit (DRU) on 29 October 2026 at the Steve Biko Campus. The vehicles are intended to improve mobility and accessibility for students with disabilities across the University’s campuses.
The new vehicles are expected to provide a safer, more convenient and comfortable transport option for students who rely on university transport to attend classes and participate in campus activities.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku, described the occasion as an important milestone for the University and the students who will benefit from the service.
“We are grateful to the Fleet Management Unit for its role in ensuring that these vehicles are available to our students with disabilities. They have been waiting for this for three years,” he said.
Dr Moreku said the vehicles would help address some of the transport challenges experienced by students with disabilities while reinforcing DUT’s commitment to student support and inclusion.
“These vehicles will go a long way towards addressing the challenges faced by our students and align with the University’s commitment to ensuring that all students are cared for and supported. We are confident that they will positively contribute to our students’ academic success,” he added.
He also acknowledged the Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane, for his role in ensuring that funding was allocated for the acquisition of the vehicles. He further recognised the dedication of the DRU team and expressed hope that the University would continue investing in resources and services that improve the experiences of students with disabilities.
Fleet Management Services Manager, Ms Bonny Mbatha, said the need for accessible transport had long been identified as a gap within the institution. She explained that the Fleet Management team had been working towards finding a solution that would enable students with disabilities to travel between campuses safely and with greater ease.
“We are proud that students with disabilities can now be accommodated and move safely between campuses. This is one of the biggest achievements, not only for the Disability Rights Unit but for DUT as a whole,” she said.
Ms Gugu Khuluse, Disability Rights Officer, highlighted the challenges the University previously encountered when sourcing suitable transport for students with disabilities.
“Hiring specialised buses has been difficult because some transport providers do not have vehicles that accommodate students with disabilities. These new vehicles will provide a more accessible and convenient transport solution for our students,” she said.
For one of the beneficiaries, Mandisi Hlabisa, a final-year Human Resources Management student, the handover represents a welcome development that will make accessing academic activities easier.
“I am very happy that we have finally received these vehicles. I often struggled to attend classes because of transport challenges, especially during rainy weather,” she said.
The handover marks an important step in DUT’s ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and accessible learning environment, ensuring that students with disabilities have the support and resources they need to participate fully in university life and succeed academically.
Pictured: Dr C Moreku, Miss Bonny Mbatha, and students within the disability unit.
Photographer: Sbonelo Dlamini
Luyanda Mlaba
