The Student Governance and Development unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted a celebratory luncheon to honour the seven Student Representative Council (SRC) members who recently graduated at the DUT 2023 Autumn Graduation. This luncheon was held at the Faculty of Health Sciences Clinic Boardroom, Ritson Campus on Friday, 09 June 2023.

The seven SRC members who were celebrated for promoting academic excellence are:

1. Secretary-General, Ntokozo Joyful Gcabashe (26) from Umlazi who obtained his Diploma in Cost Management Accounting on 15 May 2023.
2. Deputy President, Thandolwethu April (22) from Gcuwa in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, who obtained a Diploma in Accounting on 16 May 2023.
3. Education and Transformation Officer in Midlands, Gideon Mthembu from KwaNdelu, Umzumbe, who obtained his Advanced Diploma in Human Resources on 16 May 2023.
4. Organisation and Accommodation Officer in Midlands, Njabulo Nkomonde (27) from eThalaneni, Nkandla, who obtained his Advanced Diploma in Public Administration on 16 May 2023.
5. Projects Officer in Durban, Nonhle Dlamini (20) from Jolivet in Umzinto, who graduated for her Diploma in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) specialising in Business Analysis on 23 May 2023.
6. Treasurer-General, Asanda Mngomezulu (22) from Mondlo in Vryheid, who obtained his Diploma in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) specialising in Publication Development on 24 May 2023.
7. Organisation and Accommodation Officer in Durban, Sibusiso Mbhele (23) from Umzimkhulu who was awarded his Diploma in Management Sciences specialising in Marketing, on 26 May 2023.

Facilitating the luncheon was the Student Development Officer, Andile Masuku who mentioned that the aim of the event was to celebrate and appreciate our (DUT) student leaders for the work that they have done in promoting academic excellence.

“We are proud of them and we pride ourselves as a unit under the leadership of the Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku. We also have the Director of Special Projects in the office of the Vice-Chancellor, Dr David Mohale. His fondness of the SRC, extended to him taking time out to celebrate with you. If you didn’t know Dr Mohale graduated for his PhD, early in his 30s. This should tell us how education is so important, especially during this 21st century,” said Masuku.

Delivering the opening remarks, the Student Governance and Development Manager, Masiza Ngculu mentioned how the former Dean of Students, now DUT Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane used to make reference to Dr Mohale being a former SRC President who holds a PhD.

“Let us not think about your term of office, the year that you are serving on the SRC. Let us think about you as leaders on a journey for further greatness. For those of you who have graduated this year, who are making sure that you are taking that first step, we are here to encourage you further,” said Ngculu.

Sharing the same sentiments was Dr Mohale who began by congratulating the newly graduated SRC members once again. He briefly shared a story about the time when he was a student leader when they organised a protest and wrote a memorandum insulting the university management.

“I am raising this to say to colleagues that have graduated, you will now understand why we have excellence as one of the principles in our ENVISION2030. What you do now will likely stay with you until the later stages of your life. You are here because you have done well and have demonstrated excellence. It is my hope that we will see some of you in into the Hlomisa programme that we are coordinating as the office of the Vice-Chancellor, which Andile is a participant. He will soon probably become the second PhD graduate of that programme, that is because we value academic excellence,” said Dr Mohale.

The Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku said he was glad to be part of this event, celebrating the student leaders’ academic excellence, which is something the university has been promoting. Dr Moreku also revealed that Dr Mohale as the former President of the SRC, also passed his Bachelor Degree with Cum Laude.

According to Dr Moreku, they have been encouraging student leaders not to forget their academic commitments.

“Through excelling you will attract opportunities such as Hlomisa, as you have heard it from Dr Mohale. From here you need to go and ensure that you put more effort in terms of your studies. I am so glad that we have student leadership that is achieving, it is not easy with all the pressure that you get, having to lead and assist the students. You are doing it out of your own goodwill, it is a selfless fit to become a student leader. Congratulations and we hope you will register for more postgraduate qualifications until you obtain your PhD. We need to make PhD fashionable and it is possible, you have the support from Student Services and the VC’s office,” Dr Moreku said.

The SRC Deputy President, Thandolwethu April thanked the unit for the celebration, saying they value the insights, guidance and support shared with them.
In closing, Executive Secretary to the Dean of Students, Ms Thulile Duma also encouraged the student leaders to continue studying until they reach the PhD level. She thanked them for leading by example, and for setting a good example for the leaders that will come after them.

Pictured: Organisation and Accommodation Officer in Durban, Sibusiso Mbhele, Organisation and Accommodation Officer in Midlands, Njabulo Nkomonde, Deputy President, Thandolwethu April, Projects Officer in Durban, Nonhle Dlamini, Treasurer-General, Asanda Mngomezulu, Education and Transformation Officer in Midlands, Gideon Mthembu and Secretary-General, Ntokozo Joyful Gcabashe.

Simangele Zuma