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35 DUT Excellence 2025 | Semester 1Dr Vuyo Mthethwa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) launched the much-anticipated book: Vuka Tshabalala On Trial, the dynamic biography of her father, former DUT Chancellor and retired Judge President Vuka Tshabalala in May 2025 at the DUT Hotel School, Ritson Campus. The speakers included the esteemed Judge President Vuka Tshabalala, DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Thandwa Mthembu, Advocate Nazir Aboobaker and DeputyVice-Chancellor: People and Operations Dr Vuyo Mthethwa.In attendance were Prof Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy ViceChancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement; Prof Mashupye Kgaphola, Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning; Professor Theo Andrews, Advisor in the Vice-Chancellor%u2019s Office; Dr Nonhlanhla Mthiyane, Interim Director: Midlands Centre; along with DUT academics and students, family members, friends and representatives from civil society.Executive Dean: Faculty of Management Sciences Professor Fulufhelo Netswera was the charismatic Programme Director at the event. He shared his role of encapsulating some aspects of the book, including interviewing Judge Tshabalala.%u201cThe book is written by his daughter, which I think is one of the most important tributes that a person can bestow on their parents,%u201d he said.Prof Mthembu said: %u201cDr Mthethwa holds this very difficult job at DUT and not many people can find time to work and conceive this special gift to Judge Tshabalala, which is really remarkable,%u201d he said.He further shared that when the history of DUT is written over this period, this book will clearly be seen as something truly astounding.The book, which shared many narratives from esteemed legal figures, conveyed a special congratulatory message from Advocate Aboobaker, who spoke fondly of Judge Tshabalala whose life was intertwined with his. It was a very unnerving experience for him to enter the law profession as a young law student.DR VUYO MTHETHWA UNVEILS FATHER%u2019S BOOK %u2018VUKA TSHABALALA ON TRIAL%u2019%u201cJudge Vuka was allocated as my mentor so while I was sitting in his reception room, I wondered whether he would cope with me and my inexperience? Would I survive the world of advocates? All my reservations melted the moment I walked into his office: Judge Vuka greeted me with a warm, disarming smile and instantly made me feel at home. From then on, I knew that this is where I wanted to be,%u201d he said.Adv. Aboobaker indicated that every detail of the book is thoroughly researched and it was evident that a great deal of time and effort went into inspirations. He explained that the book vividly captures important Pictured: At the prestigious launch event were the esteemed DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal: Professor Thandwa Mthembu; former DUT Chancellor and retired Judge President Vuka Tshabalala; DeputyVice-Chancellor: People and Operations Dr Vuyo Mthethwa; and Advocate Nazir Aboobaker.Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile