Dr Nathan Slabbert-Gorringe adorned with a striped navy blue shirt adorning on it what depicted a creative sea wheel, along with his dark blue tie bringing to life the beautiful, decorative flowers, espousing what energised, artful ‘creative thinkers’ are all about at the Durban University of Technology (DUT).
Dr Nathan Slabbert-Gorringe, Head of Department (acting): Visual Communication, graduated with his Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Visual and Performing Arts on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, at the Olive Convention Centre, showcasing his expressive and artistic talent not only through his fashion but also through his PhD dissertation research. He depicted all what the Faculty of Arts and Design is all about and where ideas come to life.
“It’s been such a long journey, I’m happy its over. It has been very challenging, taking about six to seven years to finish, whilst working full-time at DUT. However, I am very excited to now be a doctor and I always said I wanted to complete my PhD by the age of 35 years and I am 37 years of age, which is still a great achievement for me,” he said ecstatically.
Under the supervision of his supervisor, Professor KJ Duffy and co-supervisor, Prof JP Wade, Dr Slabbert-Gorringe, spoke of his dissertation titled: Unmasking Masculinities on Grinder in Durban, South Africa.
“This study explores connections between Grindr, a social networking application predominantly used by gay and bisexual men, and perceptions of masculinities. It is positioned within a Critical paradigm, employing Masculinity Studies, Semiotic Theory, and theories relating to computer-mediated communication and social media,” he explained.
He indicated that the study reveals that: Grindr users’ experiences with the Grindr app and with other Grindr users are both positive and negative, and vary greatly amongst Grindr users; masculinities on Grindr are perceived and communicated through the use of certain semiotic signs that relate to physical appearance, personality traits and acts.
Dr Slabbert-Gorringe indicated that the study focused on perceived levels of masculinity, race, and body type affect how different masculinities intersect with each other and other social categories, and in turn perceptions of desirability; and the Grindr Mask has come to represent more than just a logo for a social networking app for gay and bisexual men.
“Rather, the Grindr Mask appears to connote issues of discrimination and prejudice, and that as users become more specific about their preferences in others, they tend to value discretion and hide their faces behind a mask,” he said.
Going forward, Dr Slabbert-Gorringe shared that his goal is to write papers and to continue to grow in his field of career.
The session marked the bestowing of well-earned degrees for a further two PhD graduates and five Master’s degrees, besides the conferring of diplomas, degrees and higher certificates that were also bestowed in this esteemed ceremony.
Giving a congratulatory message to the graduates in the Faculty of Arts and Design was the Executive Dean: (Interim), Professor Phoholo Morojele, who excitedly shared that they were now celebrating a bold new beginning.
“You have journeyed through critique, creation, collaboration, and discovery. You are not just leaving DUT with a qualification, you are stepping into a world as dynamic contributors, inspired creators, and responsible citizens, shaped by the values and vision of this institution.
Prof Morojele expressed that art and design are not mere aesthetic expressions, they are powerful tools for transformation.
“South Africa, Africa, and the world need your imagination now more than ever. As you step into the future, remember, you are DUT. You are the living embodiment of our values, the bearers of our vision, and the makers of a more compassionate, more creative world. Congratulations, your future awaits, and it is as bright as the ideas you dare to bring to life,” he said.
Pictured: Dr Nathan Slabbert-Gorringe
Waheeda Peters
