The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Vice – Chancellor and Principal Professor Thandwa Mthembu delivered his presentation on the proposed 2020 to 2030 Strategic Plan, to the Pietermaritzburg staff and students, at the Midlands Campus in Pietermaritzburg.

The aim of the presentation was a means to obtain feedback from DUT stakeholders on the new strategic direction as well as on how to enhance the new plan, going forward.

Professor Mthembu, spoke on the University’s achievements, progress and challenges in his presentation, adding that DUT needed to think about building a future with new thoughts, ideas and innovations.

Thabisa Qangule from the Management Sciences Department at the Riverside Campus, gave his view on what he thought of the presentation. She said it was important that management involved staff in the way forward because it affected the entire University community. “I think it is a positive sign for management to involve us (staff) in the beginning stage so that we are able to give them our views. I like the suggested 10 – year strategic plan that the Vice – Chancellor is proposing because even if he is gone, it will allow the next person to continue with the strategic plan. This will bring some sort of stability to the University,” she said.

DUT’s Sydney Maphumulo from the Finance Department said: “I think the presentation went well, however, we still need some time to think about what Prof Mthembu had said and process it.”

All in all, the staff and students were delighted to hear that Prof Mthembu had indicated that better alignment was needed for Durban and Midlands based campuses in terms of services, programmes, management and administration.

Pictured: Professor Mthembu delivering his presentation at the Midlands Campus.

Sanele Xaba and Nomkhuleko Thutshini