The Student Recruitment Unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) visited Phambili High School in Umbilo on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, to engage with Grade 12 learners and provide information about the University’s academic programmes and admission processes.
The visit also served as an opportunity to recognise Phambili High School as DUT’s second-highest feeder school for the 2026 academic year, highlighting the strong relationship between the institution and the University.
Building on the success of a previous visit in 2025, the Student Recruitment Team returned to encourage learners to explore higher education opportunities and make informed decisions about their future careers. The earlier engagement contributed positively to learner awareness and resulted in a significant number of applications and registrations in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programmes at DUT.
Addressing the learners, DUT Student Recruitment Officer Mr Michael Zulu emphasised the importance of education, academic excellence and early preparation for university admission. He explained the application process, highlighting that prospective students apply to DUT through the Central Applications Office (CAO).
Mr Zulu also provided an overview of the wide range of academic programmes available at DUT and outlined the admission requirements for various fields of study. Learners received prospectuses and were encouraged to work hard towards achieving strong academic results that would enable them to access higher education opportunities.
Adding a student perspective to the engagement, Ms Aphiwe Khanyile, a third-year Bachelor of Health Sciences in Environmental Health student, delivered a motivational address to the learners. She encouraged them to remain focused on their academic goals, persevere through challenges, and not be discouraged by negative perceptions surrounding demanding subjects.
Deputy Principal Ms Zandile Langa expressed appreciation to DUT for recognising the school’s achievements and for investing in the development of its learners.
She noted that Phambili High School achieved a 91.4% matric pass rate in 2025 and was recognised as DUT’s second-highest feeder school for the 2026 academic year.
“This year at Phambili High School, we aim to become the leading feeder school to DUT. We have 561 learners who are committed to achieving strong academic results and reaching their full potential,” said Langa.
She further explained that the visit came at an opportune time, as learners are currently preparing for their mid-year examinations. According to Langa, the engagement would serve as motivation and encouragement while reinforcing the importance of setting clear academic goals and aspirations.
Educator Ms Taniq Khuzwayo highlighted the strong partnership between the school and DUT and welcomed the opportunity for learners to engage directly with university representatives.
She said the visit provided learners with first-hand and accurate information about higher education opportunities and future career pathways.
Khuzwayo also extended an invitation to DUT to participate in the school’s annual tea event scheduled for 31 July 2026, noting that the University’s involvement would expose learners to a broader range of academic and career opportunities.
The enthusiasm among learners was evident throughout the engagement. Grade 12C learner Lusanda Phakathi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to interact with DUT representatives and learn more about the University’s programmes and admission requirements.
She shared that the visit had inspired her to begin planning for her future and motivated her to apply for admission in 2027.
“DUT representatives explained everything clearly and helped us understand the opportunities available at the University. The session was informative, engaging and inspiring,” she said.
The visit forms part of DUT’s ongoing commitment to supporting prospective students, strengthening relationships with feeder schools and encouraging learners to pursue higher education opportunities that will enable them to contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.
Pictured: Learners from Phambili High School engage with representatives from DUT’s Student Recruitment Unit during an information-sharing session aimed at promoting higher education opportunities and academic excellence.
Pictured: DUT Student Recruitment Officer Mr Michael Zulu with learners.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
