Page 6 - DUT The Edge - Aug/Sept 2021

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DASA
Pictured: Lindani Buthelezi
BUTHELEZI IS THANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE DASA CHAIRPERSON
“I believe the Differently Abled Students Association (DASA) is very important as it serves as a platform to help educate students and staff about the different- ly-abled students and how they should be treated,” said 24-year-old Financial Accounting student and Chairper- son of DASA Lindani Buthelezi.
Buthelezi is responsible for helping students to integrate from high school to university life and serves as an inter- mediary among the students, the Disability Rights Unit, and all the relevant departments at the Durban Univer- sity of Technology (DUT). In addition, he also encourages students to be more independent.
“We usually have awareness campaigns during the year to help teach people around us about disabilities, and to let them know that living with a disability doesn’t limit our potential in any way. I would like to have more aware- ness campaigns and teach more people about what our organisation is about and how it helps our students. I would also love to see more able-bodied students active- ly participating in the awareness programmes to educate their peers,” said Buthelezi.
He also mentioned some of the gripes that students encounter through their academic journey and life.“Most issues that affect our students are more National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)-related. It is sometimes frustrating when we have to apply for assistive devices
to help us participate in our lectures.We have had cases where most of our students receive them late, but I am thankful for the relationship we have with the Financial Aid Department at DUT who are working tirelessly to speed up the process of acquiring assistive devices for us,” he said.
Buthelezi, who hails from Ngodini, Eshowe, also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity that was bestowed upon him by his fellow students who believed in him as a leader.“I am hopeful that I am still represent- ing them well, and that I can get to contribute more and help improve their stay at DUT,” he said.
Nikiwe Sukazi