The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Student Governance and Development unit, successfully hosted an Induction ceremony to welcome Champions of the DUT Living Values. The event took place on Saturday, 12 April 2025, at the DUT Hotel School conference room.
The concept of “Champions of the DUT Living Values” focuses on empowering students at DUT to actively embrace, advocate for, and lead initiatives that reflect the university’s core values. As part of this initiative, the Champions of the DUT Living Values programme aims at engaging more students in actively embracing and internalising these values that serve as essential life tools both within and beyond the university environment.
The newly inducted students will be empowered by knowledge, skills and confidence to act as ambassadors of the DUT Living Values. Through their leadership and influence, they will inspire their peers to embody and uphold these values, fostering a university that thrives on integrity, respect and excellence.
Mr Masiza Ngculu, Manager of Student Governance and Development Unit, warmly welcomed the attendees and expressed hisheartfelt gratitude to the students who are driving DUT’s progress to new heights, setting a positive tone for the programme.
“The step that you have taken is extremely important, because it means you have agreed to be the change and actively engage with your peers, ensuring that their actions consistently promote these values. This is an important step for you to develop your own characters,” he said.
After a warm welcome to everyone in attendance, Student Development Officer, Ms Thokozani Sibiya briefly outlined the purpose of the day. She described the living values as a way to shape lives and character. “The core business is to give you the tools of how to be the best and how to conduct yourselves as the DUT Champions of Living Values, and again thank you for putting your hands up by joining this great initiative,” she said.
In her keynote address, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations, Dr Vuyo Mthethwa, explored the pivotal role of Living Values Champions in inspiring others to embody DUT’s values. She passionately encouraged the champions to stay authentic and drive meaningful changes in their communities.
“This is a start of a process, you are still going to be clustered into different values and what they represent, and those that lead with transparency will help others get to understand and know how to embody transparency,” shared Dr Mthethwa.
Dr Mthethwa then led the pledging ceremony, where the champions committed to upholding DUT’s Living Values and Principles. By taking the pledge, the champions affirmed their ethical and moral responsibility to cultivate a culture that embodies and promotes these values among students.
The event proceeded with the Director of Alumni Relations and Advancement at DUT, Mr Zwakele Ngubane, who presented on DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategic plan, outlining the university’s vision for the future, particularly emphasising the importance of living values and their impact on staff and students. He further highlighted the university’s commitment to innovation, creativity, and positive change.
Pictured:Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations, Dr Vuyo Mthethwa, speaking at the event.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Thubelihle Dumakude
