The Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Professor Thandwa Mthembu, officially welcomed first-year students at the opening of ADAPT@DUT First-Year Orientation Week at Curries Fountain Stadium in Durban on Tuesday, 3 February 2026.
The week-long programme will conclude on Saturday, 7 February 2026.
On behalf of Prof Mthembu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Professor Vusi Gumede, extended a warm welcome to first-year students attending the orientation at the Indumiso Campus Sports Centre in Pietermaritzburg, which opened on Wednesday, 4 February, and will also conclude at the end of the week.
In his welcome remarks, Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku, shared DUT’s philosophy of education, summarised in a ten-word statement:
“Our creativity and innovation shapes adaptive graduates who transform society.”
“This philosophy transcends words on a page; it is a living ethos, purposefully embedded in our teaching, research, student support services and developmental initiatives. These initiatives are designed to foster intellectual growth, resilience and innovation throughout your academic journey. Our commitment is to equip you with the knowledge, skills and ethical grounding necessary to navigate complex situations, adapt to change and contribute thoughtfully and responsibly to society,” said Dr Moreku.
He added that during orientation, students will be introduced to a comprehensive range of services, programmes and interventions designed to support and enrich their university experience, ensuring a smooth and empowering transition into higher education.
DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu addressing first year students.
DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Thandwa Mthembu, began his welcome address by congratulating the students on their admission. Out of 231,503 applicants, 9,416 were selected for registration in 2026, representing just 4 per cent of all applicants.
“You are exceptional. You are the cream of the crop! By choosing this university, you have chosen a ‘Creative. Distinctive. Impactful’ university. DUT stands for Durban University of Technology, but it also stands for Different, Upended, Transformed. To the parents, guardians, funders and sponsors, thank you for trusting us with these young people. We look forward to partnering with you as they grow, discover who they are and learn to make a meaningful contribution to society,” said Prof Mthembu.
Highlighting DUT’s achievements, Prof Mthembu noted that the university leads all six Universities of Technology in South Africa, a position confirmed by international rankings such as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings since 2020. He emphasised that DUT competes favourably with traditional universities, some over 60 years old, despite DUT being just 21 years old.
Prof Mthembu, celebrating ten years as Vice-Chancellor and Principal this year, urged students to aim for impact by the end of their academic journey, not just for themselves, but for their cohort and future generations.
He also introduced DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy, describing it as a one-page map defining DUT’s vision for transformation by 2030 and beyond. The strategy reflects DUT’s values, principles, DNA, people, systems, resources, infrastructure, sustainability and societal impact.
“Innovation and entrepreneurship are not optional at DUT; they are at the core of what our Philosophy of Education demands. Our aim is to produce graduates who are not only ready to work but capable of creating work — employers rather than job seekers,” said Prof Mthembu.
Dr Moreku then led students in the DUT ENVISION2030 Student Pledge, committing them to uphold DUT’s values and strategy. Students pledged to strive for academic excellence, embrace an entrepreneurial mindset and develop skills to become adaptive graduates capable of improving lives and livelihoods.
SRC President, Sihle Nkosi, congratulated first-year students and described the moment as the start of a powerful new chapter:
“Being here today means you have overcome many challenges to earn your place at this institution. You may feel excited, nervous, uncertain or even afraid, and that is completely normal. University is not only about academics, but also about discovering who you are, learning to think critically, managing your time, working with others and finding the strength to rise even when things get difficult,” he said.
He encouraged students toa, attend classes regularly, engage in lectures and tutorials, ask questions and seek support when needed. Nkosi also reminded students to utilise DUT’s many support services, including academic advising, tutoring, counselling, residence support and student governance structures, reassuring them that they are not alone on this journey.
In closing, Institutional Registrar Dr Maditsane Nkonoane described the 2026 first-year cohort as special, joining DUT at the concluding phase of the ENVISION2030 strategy:
“You are a fortunate cohort because by the time you complete your studies, you will be graduating from a fully transformed institution,” he said.
Dr Nkonoane emphasised that this marks not only an academic beginning, but a powerful opportunity to grow, lead and thrive. He thanked parents, guardians and sponsors for trusting DUT with their children’s futures and acknowledged the SRC under Sihle Nkosi’s leadership for their commitment to student development.
Pictured: DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu during the opening ceremony of ADAPT@DUT First-Year Orientation Week.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Simangele Zuma/Vukani Langa
