Dr Maditsane Nkonoane, the Institutional Registrar at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) met with the newly elected Student Representative Council (SRC) for the 2025-2027 term. This strategic engagement aimed at strengthening student governance and fostering collaborative leadership was held at the Open House Boardroom on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
It was facilitated by the Student Governance and Development unit with the support of the Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku.
In his opening remarks, Mr Masiza Ngculu, Student Governance and Development Manager commended Dr Nkonoane for making a special appeal to meet with the new SRC. He extended his appreciation to Dr Nkonoane for making time for this engagement despite his busy schedule, especially during this period of registration.
The Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku emphasized the importance of the engagement to the SRC. He shared that the Registrar plays a pivotal role in the governance and administration of DUT, serving as the custodian of academic integrity, institutional policies and statutory compliance.
In addition, Dr Moreku indicated that the Registrar oversees critical student-related functions, including registration, graduations and student governance support, which helps him to create a stable, efficient and student-centred academic environment.
Presenting the new SRC leadership to Dr Nkonoane was the SRC President, Sihle Nkosi. He followed by the SRC Secretary-General, Samkelo Ngubo who highlighted SRC programmes and their alignment to the ENVISION2030.
Ngubo began by expressing the SRC’s appreciation to the Registrar for affording them the opportunity to engage with him. He indicated that this engagement showcased DUT Executive Management’s commitment to fostering effective communication. Through this engagement he was certain that Dr Nkonoane was going to share his wisdom and extensive experience with them to help shape their ideas to becoming impactful projects.
Ngubo unpacked their projects based on the ENVISION2030 strategic objective, pledging their support to the implementation of the strategy. He emphasised that as the SRC they plan to complement projects of the university as they do not operate isolated from the university. Some of their programmes include increasing the throughput rate of the university, establish an SRC Engagement Forum to bridge the gap between the student body and SRC. They also plan to host a DUT Festival to promote the DUT living values to new students as well as a Cultural Festival to embrace diversity within the institution.
Addressing the SRC, the Registrar applauded the members for being the first SRC to unpack ENVISION2030. He said he was certain that they will go down as game changers.
“Welcome to this journey. We are currently in the Upended period of ENVISION2030, as the university community we must upend or ship out. There will be people not supportive to your course, forge ahead because at the end of your term you want to leave a legacy. You have demonstrated high ethical standards. Your President will be the first SRC President in the history of DUT to graduate Cum Laude. This is an achievement worth celebrating and emulating. I am aware that the Secretary-General will soon enrol for his Master’s degree,” shared Dr Nkonoane.
He advised them to always guard their actions as through them DUT will have order and stability. To earn the respect of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor thandwa Mthembu and the DUT community, Dr Nkonoane encouraged the SRC to talk sense and the truth at all times.
In closing, the Student Development Officer, Ms Thokozani Sibiya she extended her sincere appreciation to Dr Nkonoane for taking the time to meet with the SRC. She shared that the engagement reinforced the importance of collaboration, ethical leadership and open communication between students and University management. She applauded the SRC for an impressive start of term of office, encouraging them to not dampen their efforts over time. Sibiya advised the SRC to work smart and take care of their mental and physical wellbeing throughout their term.
Pictured: DUT Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku and Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane with the newly elected SRC.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Simangele Zuma
