The Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted a successful First-Year Student Orientation Welcome Address at the Indumiso Campus Sports Centre in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday, 05 February 2025. The ceremony drew enthusiastic students and parents, all eager to start their DUT journey and explore the opportunities that lie ahead.
The orientation programme was specifically designed to introduce new students to the DUT community, its values, and academic culture. As part of the comprehensive programme, students were immersed in informative sessions that covered essential aspects of university life, learning, and academic expectations.
Dr Clement Moreku, the Dean of Students, warmly welcomed the university’s executive management, members of the Student Representative Council (SRC), and most importantly, the new students and their parents. He expressed his appreciation for their attendance at the orientation programme, which marked the beginning of an exciting academic journey at DUT.
Dr Moreku stated that the programme served as a gateway to a range of services, resources, and opportunities designed to support students’ growth and success during their time at DUT. He noted that the university’s commitment to ENVISION2030 guided its people-centred approach, where students and staff played a vital role in shaping the institution’s identity and future.
“The DUT Living Values and Principles include fairness, respect, accountability, compassion, professionalism, integrity, excellence, honesty, commitment, and transparency. The university aims to produce adaptive graduates equipped with the necessary skills, mindset, and resilience,” said Dr Moreku.
The Orientation was attended by the SRC members and the President Solomzi Zoleka. The DUT Choir also blessed parents, students with a lovely performance and leaving the parents flabbergasted.
In the absentia of Professor Thandwa Mthembu, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of DUT, Professor Mashuype Kgaphola, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning at DUT, extended a warm welcome to the council members, academic staff, stakeholders, students, and parents. Professor Kgaphola congratulated the class of 2024 on their hard work and achievements.
He stated that the university’s emphasis on creativity and innovation played a significant role in shaping graduates who went on to transform society. Professor Kgaphola also noted that the students had made an excellent choice in selecting DUT, as it was an institution that prioritised values and principles. He also mentioned that DUT was the only university that had formally recorded its values and principles, which benefitted both staff and students.
The Acting Campus Director of the Midlands Campuses, Dr Nonhlanhla Mthiyane extended a warm and enthusiastic welcome to all first-year students, inviting them to become a vital part of the Midlands campuses.
“We are proud to have two vibrant campuses, Riverside and Indumiso, which together form the Midlands campuses. Our goal is to ensure that each and every student has a truly unforgettable and enriching DUT experience. DUT is a leading University of Technology in South Africa, DUT offers a unique blend of academic excellence, innovative research, and practical skills, providing students with a solid foundation for future success,” she explained.
She also encouraged students to engage in various extracurricular activities that fosters personal growth, teamwork, and social responsibility, saying that these activities would enrich their university experience and help them become well-rounded individuals. “The residence life played a significant role in the students’ experience and I also urged them to avoid negativity and instead focus on positive influences,” added Dr Mthiyane
Dr Maditsane Nkonoane, the DUT Registrar, proudly pointed out that DUT graduates have become leaders and change-makers in their respective fields, with a notable presence in top-tier companies, industries, and factories, underscoring the university’s success in cultivating talented and job-ready professionals.
“I encourage students to continue showing respect and appreciation for their parents. I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to parents for choosing DUT as their children’s academic home. Your children are in good hands, and we promise to take great care of them,” he said.
Sbonelo Ndlovu, a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Education, shared his heartfelt story of achieving his dream of becoming the first member of his family to attend university. He revealed that DUT was his top choice, and he was influenced by recommendations from others who spoke highly of the institution.
“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to be a part of the DUT community, especially since many others aspire to be in this institution. I am committed to focusing on my studies while also exploring my passion for soccer, as I have heard that DUT encourages students to participate in any sport they are interested in,” he highlighted.
Thandeka Ntombela, a proud parent from Pietermaritzburg, shared a heartwarming story about her son’s decision to choose DUT. “My husband and I have a special connection to this institution, having studied here together. So, when my son chose DUT, I was overjoyed, knowing firsthand the exceptional academic experience it offers. I have no doubt that DUT will provide him with a solid foundation for success, and I look forward to witnessing his growth and achievements,” she explained.
The ADAPT@DUT first-year student orientation week is ongoing and will end on Saturday, 08 February 2025, with the ENVISION 2030 Golden Walk. The atmosphere was electric, with excitement and pride clearly visible on the faces of parents as they witnessed their children embark on this new academic journey.
Pictured: First-year students from the DUT Midlands campuses.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
