The Durban University of Technology staff and students were treated to an inspiring and moving talk last Friday (17 November 2017) during the Council Awards ceremony at the Ocean Reef Hotel, Zinkwazi.  

The institution roped in the services of Billy Selekane a renowned motivational speaker, life coach and a leadership facilitator who dazzled the audience and left an indelible mark to the fascinated DUT community. Selakane was the main guest speaker for the awards event which saw outstanding staff and students receiving accolades for innovation, student centeredness and for putting the university on a global map.

Selakane told DUT staff that the institution was on the verge of transformation and change, saying they must be ready to accept and embrace change. “For your institution to be successful and achieve great strides, there are certain principles that you should adopt.  We must all strive for perfection and purpose in whatever we do. Principle of passion and purpose is fundamental, many of us search for it actively or passively.”

The high-spirited Selakane, said all stakeholders in the university must search for inspiration within and help to grow DUT in leaps and bound ensuring that it becomes a force to be reckoned with in the higher education sector. He added that the institution must be treated as a brand and that employees must help to position the university in the right direction.

“Purpose and passion is what defines you as a person. It is a concept that almost always refers to actions that benefit you as an individual as well as those around you. Purpose is essentially a compass for your life.

The Thembisa native left the audience in awe demonstrating tangible examples and drawing on thought-provoking life lessons. He called upon DUT employees to transform themselves from just being ordinary employees to being a powerful and distinct brand helping the institution to grow.

“People like Nelson Mandela, Mohamed Ali, Lionel Messi and Michael Jackson became famous because of their brand positioning and reputation management. You will always be an ordinary professor, lecture and administrative staff member until you treat yourself as a brand and not a commodity,” He said much to the audience’s amusement.  

Pictured: Billy Selekane – renowned public speaker sharing an inspiring talk with DUT community during the Gala Dinner & Council Awards held on Friday.

Sandile Motha