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43 DUT Excellence 2025 | Semester 1The Durban University of Technology (DUT), through its Directorate of International Education and Partnerships (IEP) unit, opened its doors not just to a celebration of Africa Day, but to a powerful regional declaration of intent in June 2025. There was a vibrant collaboration with the University of KwaZuluNatal (UKZN), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) and eThekwini Municipality. Themed %u2018Strengthening African Unity and Higher Education Collaboration%u2019, it brought together more than 400 students and staff from these universities, academics, the community and Municipality stakeholders.Dr Lavern Samuels, Director of DUT%u2019s Directorate of International Education and Partnerships Unit, offered a warm welcome as he acknowledged the historic significance of Africa Day and the role that universities must play in shaping the continent%u2019s shared future. He framed the gathering as more than a ceremonial event; it was a call to live out Africa-centred values through collaboration, innovation and community upliftment.His message resonated with DUT%u2019s ENVISION2030 strategy, reminding the audience that stewardship, engagement and social justice are not abstract ideals but lived experiences that require active commitment. Dr Samuels celebrated the presence of young people, staff, artists and institutional leaders in one space, noting that Africa Day is ultimately about affirming identity, reclaiming pride and fostering belonging. He reaffirmed the importance of African-led solutions to African challenges and the necessity of building strong regional platforms like the Africa Partnerships Universities Alliance (APUA) to sustain this momentum.MC Mr Cebolenkosi Duke Myeza carried the audience smoothly through each transition, weaving together voices, performances and reflections into a coherent celebration of African unity.The celebration was an embodiment of internal collaboration. The International Student Organisation (ISO) played a key logistical role in supporting and integrating international students. Student governance structures, particularly the Clubs and Societies Office, worked handAFRICA DAY 2025: A REGIONAL CELEBRATION OF UNITY, SCHOLARSHIP AND AFRICAN FUTURES in-hand with the IEP event coordinators. Academic departments and units such as the Department of Consumer Sciences: Food and Nutrition, Maritime Studies, Biotechnology and Food Science in the Faculty of Applied Sciences, the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics (which featured their interactive humanoid robot), Video Technology, Fine Art and Jewellery Design from the Faculty of Arts and Design, including innobiz, all supported the day.eThekwini Municipality%u2019s International and Governance Relations Department offered resources and broader community engagement that helped root the day in the civic life of Durban.The academic panel session, chaired by Dr Dudu Shabane of DUT%u2019s International Centre of Non-violence, brought together diverse voices from partner universities to reflect on Africa%u2019s academic future through the lens of knowledge reclamation, cultural affirmation and institutional responsibility. A recent PhD graduate and a scholar of peace, justice and equity work, Dr Shabane anchored the session in DUT%u2019s ENVISION2030 strategy, highlighting the role of academics in driving social transformation through ethical and engaged scholarship.Pictured: Dr Lavern Samuels, Director of International Education and Partnerships at DUT.Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile