The Student Governance and Development unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted an Inaugural Networking Breakfast between DUT’s Vice-Chancellor (VC) and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu and the Student Parliament members on Thursday, 11 May 2023 at Makhosini Lounge.
Giving the opening remarks was Mr Masiza Ngculu, Student Governance and Development Manager, who also thanked the guests for attending the event.
The networking breakfast was geared towards moulding the DUT Student Parliament members into becoming great leaders and to give them a platform to engage and share ideas with Prof Mthembu. These engagements were built upon ideas that were discussed during the Networking Dinner that took place on Tuesday, 25 April 2023.
DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu.
This networking breakfast included a broad range of activities through which Prof Mthembu and the SRC members developed and expressed their opinions on the university, how it should be governed and to shape the decisions that affect the institution. These activities ranged from developing thinking about the future of the university and other social issues at the individual or university level, staying away from corruption and becoming great leaders not only at DUT but in the society.
Furthermore, the engagements included working together in making a difference in the university and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference within DUT. Moreover, it was also about promoting the quality of life in the university through both political and non-political processes.
Findings suggest that student leadership plays a valuable role in shaping how students learn to interact within the university and develop the skills, values, and sense of empowerment necessary to become more productive. One can agree that participating in these engagement activities will help the SRC to become better informed leaders about current events and the future plans of the university.
Prof Mthembu gave a broad meaning of the term education and academic freedom.
“Education is not about learning only, it is about innovation, social, technological, economic and environmental. It is about the pursuit of truth, acquisition of knowledge, discovery of knowledge, dissemination and application of knowledge,” explained Prof Mthembu.
He further narrated that academic freedom is the freedom of scholars and students to teach, study and pursue knowledge and research without unreasonable interference or restriction from law, institutional regulations or public pressure. He further explained that academic freedom is made of three parts namely, scholarly freedom, academic rule and institutional autonomy which is the independence of thought and ideas.
According to Prof Mthembu, these engagements will make sure that the SRC engage in reflection activities after their service experience and apply their learning in real-life activities. He also urged the Student Representative Council (SRC) should respect other people by narrating a praise what goes around comes back around, “you might look down upon a person today but need that specific person in future because life is unpredictable. “He also emphasised that student leaders should do their research, acquire new ideas before making demands.
Commenting on the event was Asanda Mngomezulu: SRC Treasurer who said: “It is essential that we engage with the VC and have a say in formulating today and tomorrow’s decision making of the university. This engagement is crucial in building a stable and peaceful university and developing policies that respond to the specific needs of students. For us student leaders to adequately represent students in the institution, processes, decision-making, and in particularly elections, it is crucial that we know our rights and be given the necessary knowledge and capacity to participate in a meaningful way at all levels.”
Giving the closing remarks Mr Ngculu thanked the guests for making the networking breakfast a reality.
Pictured: Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu, Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane, Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreau with members of the SRC.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Nomvelo Zulu
