The Centre for General Education (Gen Ed) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), in collaboration with glocal stakeholders, is set to celebrate diversity, inclusion and self-expression at the third annual Student Diversity Festival 2026.
The festival, themed “A Kaleidoscope of Diverse Gender Expressions” will be held at the DUT Ritson Campus Examination Hall in Durban on Thursday, 8 October 2026, from 09:00 to 15:00.
The event seeks to create an inclusive platform for members of the DUT community to engage with the diversity of gender identities and expressions, while encouraging greater understanding, respect and acceptance.
Event Director and Gen Ed lecturer, Dr Siyabonga Shezi, said the festival uses creative expression as a means of engaging the university community on important social issues.
“This flagship one-day student-learning initiative leverages creative artistic expression, spanning fashion, style, performance and dialogue, as a transformative pedagogical vehicle to engage the university community on critical issues of equity, social justice and inclusion,” said Dr Shezi
Speaking on this year’s theme, Dr Shezi said that, much like a kaleidoscope, gender expression is not fixed or uniform, but fluid, multi-layered and complex.
According to Dr Shezi, the festival seeks to move beyond an aesthetic celebration of diversity by creating an intellectual incubator and a “safe and brave space” for meaningful and rigorous dialogue.
The theme reflects the richness and diversity of human identity and encourages the DUT community to recognise and appreciate the different ways in which individuals experience and express themselves.
“The day will commence with live music and dance followed by a comprehensive schedule of panel discussions, curated artistic showcases and experiential zones. By positioning this event as a student-centred lived experience, DUT continues to foster adaptive, socially conscious graduates equipped to constructively transform society,” added Dr Shezi.
Through dialogue, engagement and celebration, the festival will highlight the importance of creating a university environment where individuals can express their identities authentically and participate fully in university life.
The festival forms part of DUT’s broader commitment to fostering a people-centred and engaged university community, where diversity is respected and individuals are empowered to contribute meaningfully to society.
Members of the DUT community are encouraged to attend and participate in the festival as the University continues to promote dialogue, inclusivity and a culture of respect.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, 8 October 2026
Time: 09:00–15:00
Venue: DUT Ritson Campus Examination Hall
Theme: A Kaleidoscope of Diverse Gender Expressions
Pictured: Student Diversity Festival poster.
Simangele Zuma
