Dear Alumni and friends of DUT It is often said that in life, change is the only constant. Well, this could not be more true for the Durban University of Technology. Over the past eight months or so, we have witnessed some major developments, one of the most significant being the appointment of the new Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof. Thandwa Mthembu following the resignation of Prof. Ahmed Bawa last year. You will get to know a little more about our new VC if you read his profile feature covered on page 4 of this edition. The Council of DUT has also welcomed a new chairperson, Mr Wiseman Madinane, a familiar face to the DUT alumni since he is the current President of Convocation, as well as a new Deputy Chairperson, Ms Dudu Hlatshwayo. The Development and Alumni Relations Office has also seen a change with former Director Mr David Sedumedi being replaced by myself, Zwakele Ngubane in an acting capacity. Our executive committee of Convocation, Convex, also recently welcomed new members and bade farewell to outgoing members whose terms had come to an end. While change can often be a source of fear and anxiety due to uncertainty, it can also be seen as an opportunity to refresh, renew and inspire hope for the future. This edition of DUT CONNECT comes with a few changes of its own; we hope positive, since we have decided to share more of what the Development and Alumni Relations Office is up to. Hence, a brief introduction to the new members of Convex and the article on the bursary handover ceremony on pages 23-28. The #FeesMustFall movement has changed how we think about the challenge of student funding in the country. Whereas previously, we considered this to be a matter of concern for certain institutions, we have seen it elevated to a matter of urgent national importance, affecting all
universities in some way, shape or form. That is why we are proud to have been able to make a small contribution in this area with the recent awarding of 10 bursaries to DUT students who would otherwise not have been able to further their studies. These bursaries were made possible by donations received from DUT staff, alumni and other generous donors. So, if you are not already a donor, kindly consider supporting our individual giving campaign by signing up as a regular donor. See more details on how to give on page 21. I sincerely hope that you will enjoy reading this edition of DUT CONNECT as we endeavour to keep you updated on all things relevant to DUT alumni and friends. I am sure that as you read this edition, you will be proud of the great achievements of our featured alumni. Indeed, many great people have studied at DUT and are now making a positive impact in South African society. As a matter of fact, DUT is proud to welcome the graduating class of 2017 into the alumni family. The thousands of young men and women who will graduate from DUT this April and May in Pietermaritzburg and Durban respectively, continue our proud tradition of producing graduates who will go on to make a successful contribution to their communities and a meaningful impact in our country. If you know of any DUT alumni who you believe we should feature or if you would like to be featured in DUT CONNECT as an alumnus, please get in touch with us on alumni@dut.ac.za or contact me directly on the details captured below. Sincerely, Zwakele Ngubane Acting Director Development and Alumni Relations Tel: +27 31 373 3020 Email: zwakelen@dut.ac.za
DONORS The Development and Alumni Relations Office wishes to thank the following donors for their continued support. • • • • • • • • •
Adams Booksellers Albert Wessels Trust Alectrix Bradlow Foundation Fashion World Investec Charitable Trust IQRAA Trust Logico Creative Solutions Masterskill
• • • • • • •
Mentec Foundation Nedbank Eyethu Community Trust Nedcor Nestlife NMI Durban South Motors Norman’s Driving School Prokon Software Consultants (Pty) Ltd • Richline South Africa (Pty) Ltd
• Ruth and Anita Wise Educational and Charitable Trust • Sakhisizwe Architects • Siemens • Stella and Paul Lowenstein Educational and Charitable Trust • The Carl & Emily Fuchs Foundation • The Victor Daitz Foundation • Toyota
contents Ushering in a New Era of Leadership at DUT – Thandwa Mthembu
2
Steering DUT into a Bright Future – Thandwa Mthembu
4
Bowling South Africa Over – Kass Naidoo
6
Pushing the Boundaries of Humour – John Vlismas
8
Overcoming Obstacles and Catching Dreams – Mfundo Shozi
10
Broadcasting in a Man's World – Nolwazi Machi
12
Cultivating her Culinary Journey – Fezile Zulu
14
Doing Whatever it takes to Succeed in Showbiz – Siyabonga Radebe Mthembu
16
Flying the Flag of his beloved Alma Mater – Alan Khan
18
Burning with a Passion for Transformation – Wiseman Madinane
20
Who and What is DUT's Convex?
23
Awarding DUT Bursaries
28
2
6
8
10
14 12
18
16
20
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Publisher:
Durban University of Technology
Editorial Leader:
Zwakele Ngubane
Editorial team:
Alan Khan, Zandile Ndlovu, Nishie Govender
Editorial Support:
DUT Corporate Affairs Including the Marketing and Communications Department
Administration Support: Layout, Design and Editorial:
Amanda Dladla, DUT Development and Alumni Relations Artworks | www.artworks.co.za
Disclaimer: This magazine is published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure that the information was true and correct at the time of going to print.
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USHERING IN A NEW ERA OF LEADERSHIP at dut The Durban University of Technology officially ushered in a new era of leadership this year when an inauguration was held in honour of recently appointed Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu.
F
ollowing the official inauguration ceremony
DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal; Lindiwe Sisulu,
held at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre on
Human Settlements Department Minister; Justice
the Steve Biko Campus on 18 March 2017, a
Mahube Molemela, Central University of Technology
dinner was hosted at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli
Chancellor; Mduduzi Manana, Higher Education and
International Convention Centre (Durban ICC)
Training Deputy Minister; Judge Vuka Tshabalala,
later that evening to further commemorate the event.
current DUT Chancellor; Frances Chisholm, U.S. Consul General in Durban; Wang Jianzhou, Chinese
Over 400 guests joined Mthembu to celebrate his
Consul General in Durban; and Ela Gandhi, social
appointment, including Professor Ahmed Bawa, former
activist and former DUT Chancellor. Mthembu, a UKZN graduate and an academic with a PhD in Mathematics, was appointed by the DUT Council as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University as of 1 October 2016 on a five-year renewable term. Speaking at the event, Mthembu thanked DUT’s Council for appointing him under trying circumstances, given the current tertiary education landscape in South Africa, and for the hospitality he had experienced at the Institution in the first six months of his term. He also called on the leadership of the University to unite in the creation of a brighter future for the Institution, which he said served as a hub for socioeconomic development of the region: “I hope there will be no inertia against change and transformation, against upscaling and developing
Thandwa Mthembu Vice-Chancellor and Principal
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this University. I hope there will be unity in purpose. Certainly, we need no prevarication and no digression as we demonstrate through our graduates and our innovations that we could be the most accomplished university
in
the
human
and
socioeconomic
development arena. I am confident that sooner rather than later, DUT will be a proud model for our local, regional and national development.” Professor Sibusiso Moyo, Director for Research and Postgraduate Support and Acting Deputy ViceChancellor: Engagement at DUT, congratulated Prof. Mthembu on his inauguration, adding that she looked forward to his leadership. Zwakele Ngubane, Director
Certainly, we need no prevarication and no digression as we demonstrate through our graduates and our innovations that we could be the most accomplished university in the human and socioeconomic development arena.
of Development and Alumni Relations at DUT, said he
wished Prof. Mthembu wisdom, courage and strength as he came across as a man of integrity, which, said Ngubane, is what DUT needs. “He has the full support of the DUT staff.“ Personally, I support the Vice-Chancellor and we (DUT) will grow accustomed to his leadership style. I think there’s going to be a lot more achievements in terms of his objectives and I look forward to growing further under his leadership,” he said. Mthembu was handed a portrait of himself, drawn by famous cartoonist Nanda Sooben, as a gift of welcome to the Institution.
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STEERING DUT INTO A BRIGHT FUTURE Thandwa Zizwe Mthembu was appointed Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Durban University of Technology (DUT) on 1 October 2016. We chatted to him six months into his new post to gain insight into his future aspirations for the Institution.
M
thembu is no stranger to the world of academia, having held the post of Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Central University of Technology (CUT) in the Free State for a period of almost 10 years. So, one would assume that he would be an old hand at dealing with the complexities of a tertiary institution. “The complexities, dynamics and practices of DUT are distinct from those of my previous university. All these make me feel like a brand new Vice-Chancellor; feeling excited to learn from and be enriched personally and professionally by DUT’s complexities, dynamics and practices...”
Mthembu mentioned his ‘baptism of fire’ at the hands of staff and students on entering the institution late last year. “I came in at a time when salary negotiations with staff begin each year. It certainly became a unique experience to me when these negotiations deadlocked and we were faced with a threat of strike action by staff. A declaration of dispute was made and not having experienced such a situation at CUT, I had to learn very quickly how to navigate through that situation with strategy and tact.” In the second experience, Mthembu recalls experiencing for the first time the apparent ‘annual ritual’ of students marching on the University leadership to voice their discontent relating to student housing and registration challenges. Referring to it as something endemic to KZN universities, Mthembu said that both incidents prompted a few insights into the complexities, dynamics and practices within the DUT landscape he would now need to navigate through and bring change into the future. “It appears that rather than stakeholder groupings that make up DUT working in unison to guard its reputation and interests, the sense of ‘unity in purpose for DUT’s sake and for our common future’ is compromised by sectoral interests instead. You hear less of the institutional purpose, vision, ethos and ultimate outcomes during such engagements. Everyone talks about DUT’s infrastructure that is crumbling and needs to be rebuilt. But no one seems willing to shed something to allow that to be done. There is a preponderance of the ‘I’ mentality where ‘my’ demands and needs must be met before everything else.” Given these inaugural insights, Mthembu is now
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determined to begin ushering in a new era in the University’s history, one he hopes will leave a legacy of university leaders who move all stakeholders, especially the young people of our country, forward together in common purpose, vision and expected collective outcomes, not just for DUT, but the broader society. “Prof. Bawa left this University with an excellent overarching strategic plan. It is now my duty to lead the process of translating some of the grand pronouncements in that plan into reality. If we say that engagement is a strand of our DNA, then we must begin to engage – both with our students and staff. We need to understand why students often protest and why staff threaten to strike. Just recently, we held the first imbizo with students to properly understand their sense of continual discontent. We asked for meaningful feedback and we will address these issues as best we can going into the future.” “In the longer term, we need to move from just engaging with one another to engaging with our communities, our cities, our region and our future employers. We claim that student-centeredness is the second strand of our DNA. How do we demonstrate this to students in reality? Is everything we do centred on making our students feel listened to and well taken care of to the best of our abilities? Are we working towards creating an environment that nurtures our students in such a way that we ensure their time with us is also about easing their paths into the next phase of their lives? Do they become leaders and entrepreneurs despite our attempts to stifle their potential? Are we ensuring that they experience an easy transition with all their needs being catered for in a holistic and centralised student services and affairs facility that manages registration, housing and financial aid, for example? Or are we treating them like the scum of the earth and morons, sending them from pillar to post and never resolving the matters they present?” It is in these efforts, Mthembu believes, that the tide of alumni support for the University will turn if investments are made in the current student body. Having had the opportunity to study and work in the US, Mthembu believes that South African universities need to take heed of their ability to establish flourishing alumni communities that contribute meaningfully to their institutions of study long into the future. “In the US, students are treated like royalty. Their needs are catered for in a nurturing environment that
Through productive resilience and dedicating oneself to hard work, there is nothing that can stand in the way of a young person of this generation achieving heights of success not even dreamed of by the forebears of this democracy. establishes a long-term relationship between students and their universities long after they graduate. Of the 40 000 some odd alumni we are in contact with, only around 40 of them contribute to this institution on an annual basis. That is a telling statistic and a great opportunity for DUT…” For Mthembu, therefore, the funding challenge faced by most institutions lies in each university’s ability to establish a legacy of devoted alumni and future leaders who are committed to establishing a better country, and indeed Africa for all, through their contributions to state structures that build up the economy – like tertiary institutions – rather than only pursuing selforiented goals. “Being a tertiary education student in the current dispensation is a privilege. There are about 5 million young people between the ages of 18 and 24 in South Africa, but only about 1 million of them are in universities. They need to begin taking responsibility for the rest of this age group and actually the rest of our society as future leaders of this country. Who else but a university student has the knowledge, the high-level skills and the innovations to turn our socioeconomy around?” If we can create this legacy of future leaders, Mthembu says, we will have a nurturing society that takes all its people forward together: “We are lucky enough to live in an era where, because of our democratic rights, anyone can aspire to be the best. Through productive resilience and dedicating oneself to hard work, there is nothing that can stand in the way of a young person of this generation achieving heights of success not even dreamed of by the forebears of this democracy”.
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BOWLING SOUTH AFRICA OVER Kass Naidoo grew up knowing exactly where she wanted to find herself one day long before entering the halls of DUT’s City campus: in the commentator’s box in a South African test cricket match.
“I
studied Journalism to best position myself to fulfil my childhood ambition of becoming South Africa’s first woman television commentator on test cricket. I managed to qualify for a personal student loan, and started studying as soon as I matriculated. I was lucky to find part-time employment with Foschini as an in-store announcer to keep up loan repayments while I studied my first year.” Never being one to sit back, the ambitious Naidoo, who has often been heard saying that she is ‘driven by passion’, ensured that she stood out from her class to gain an esteemed vacation job as a cub reporter at Independent Newspapers. “When good performance at DUT gained me a vacation job with The Mercury newspaper, I was able to pick up valuable work experience as I finished my final two years.” Forging ahead with her plans to take the cricketing arena by storm, Naidoo used every opportunity to prepare herself for the world outside of her Durban home town. “The Journalism class was a close-knit family and I enjoyed interacting with people from different backgrounds, which gave me a broader understanding of South Africa.” Post Journalism studies, Naidoo quickly moved into her first job as a general news reporter on Durban’s biggest print daily, The Daily News, and continued to forge ahead in her sporting career. In 1999, she went
Kass Naidoo DUT Journalism graduate
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on to produce The John Robbie Show on radio station 702, and it was here that she was given an opportunity to embrace her passion as a sports presenter on the show. Speaking previously about her cricket commentating career, she has explained her career path to fulfilling her dream: “I made my debut when I anchored the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup for SABC and presented on Morning Live. In December 2004, I made my radio cricket commentary debut, and in October 2005, I achieved my lifelong dream of becoming a television cricket commentator.” And she is still involved in cricket, nearly two decades later. Currently, you can hear her on Game On Amplified on Radio 2000, and during the summer season, she remains one of SABC Sports anchors, presenting and commentating on international cricket. Not one to settle into complacency, Naidoo is also proud of her work in corporate cricket, first as Brand and Corporate Relations Manager for Cricket SA and presently raising the profile of females in sport through her gsport4girls initiative: “My commentary career aside, my greatest success is the work that I did as Brand and Corporate Relations Manager, while at Cricket South Africa. I spent every waking moment forging bonds of support for the Proteas among this nation’s disadvantaged communities, and revelled at the opportunity to introduce talented black women professionals into the organisation.” Naidoo works on the NGO gsport with her husband Ryk Meiring, and focuses on publishing breaking women’s sports news, features and online profiles with a view to making female sportswomen better known and accessible to the public. She sees this selfless contribution as a necessary step to improving the media profile of South African women in sport.
If you have gained the privilege of studying, don’t let yourself down… It’s the least you can do to give yourself a chance to realise your vast untapped potential.
the current cohort of tertiary students, understand the simple need to apply oneself academically: “You will never again have an equal opportunity to empower yourself. If you have gained the privilege of studying, don’t let yourself down. Paying attention to your study material and doing your homework will take you 95% of the way to a pass. It’s the least you can do to give yourself a chance to realise your vast untapped potential.”
IN NAIDOO’S AWARDS CUPBOARD: •
Best Sports Presenter: People Magazine Crystal Awards
Outside of the office, the mother of three ‘amazing children’: Daniel, Ella and Luke, makes her kids her foremost priority in life: “If any of them have a pressing need, that simply takes precedence until it‘s sorted out.”
•
Best Radio Sports Presenter: SAB Sports Journalist of the Year Awards
•
Newcomer of the Year: SAB Sports Journalist of the Year Awards
While she remains a fervent advocate for sport, Naidoo is as passionately bent on ensuring her children, and
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Pushing the Boundaries of Humour Zimbabwean born and Durban raised actor and comedian John Vlismas is an enduring force on the South African and international comedy scene.
T
wenty years after graduating from the Drama department of the Durban University of Technology, he remains a ‘name’ on the South African comedy scene, and has broadened his career from being on stage to include the dimension of producer/director. The launch of his production company Whacked, says Vlismas, was symbolic of his return to his roots as an ardent fan of theatre production, which began with his Drama study at DUT. “Studying Drama full-time with tutelage under the likes of Debbie Lutge was a privilege. Being able to dive into 14-16 hours of work a day, immersed in what I love, was a chance to prove to myself my own capacity for hard work. I loved the practical aspect of doing my craft in front of people from early on.” Vlismas is the first to admit that working in show business was then, and always will be, a challenge: “It was a mad idea (to study Drama) when I think back, but the idea of failure never crossed my mind. I think of the 40 students who started in my year, and the 18 who graduated – probably three of us work in show business today. I think the course was very challenging as I, and my teachers, constantly set tough goals. But it is a very hard industry, and they push you to extremes to see if you have the dedication and talent to succeed.” Today, Vlismas still works a 14-16-hour day, running his production company during the day and doing shows at night: “You have to get up early, and you probably are going to work late. I start at the office around 7.30am – we have a booking agency, a production
John Vlismas DUT Drama graduate DUTConnect // 8
FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
company and we manage several large live events – and that’s not even the performing I still do. We get mails and plans sorted, then we have meetings from about 9 ‘till around 4. After we wrap up the day, I may then have to head home to wash up before shows, if I am performing.”
It was a mad idea (to study Drama) when I think back, but the idea of failure never crossed my mind. The dedication and strong work ethic that’s evident behind the comedian’s crushingly tough work day has seen him win accolades and honours far beyond that of the average South African entertainer. As a Drama student, John won acclaim for his writing, first representing South Africa at the African regional finals of the Interplay World Fest of Young Playwrights in Nairobi and later represented Africa at the World Final in Townsville, Australia. He also holds the rare distinction of being the only South African stand-up comic to have performed at The Royal Albert Hall, The Hammersmith Apollo, The Lyric Theatre – Shaftesbury Lane and The Best of The Fest showcases in both the Montreal and Melbourne comedy festivals. He has shared a line-up with Drew Carey, written dialogue for Jerry Springer, and hosted Chris Rock at his club, to name a few.
LIFE PHILOSOPHIES VLISMAS LIVES BY: •
Do no harm.
•
It doesn’t matter how loud the alarm clock is ringing – it will never wake you up if you are pretending to be asleep.
•
important to be nice. •
To go fast, go alone. To go far, go together.
•
Sharing something is better than owning nothing.
• And despite this level of career success, Vlismas reckons his role as father to his daughter is far more significant than the various awards he has won over the years. “I try and pay attention to who my daughter is and what it is that makes her heart really beat – and then I try to find ways to encourage that passion, as my parents did for me. People are not machines, we have quirks and facets and a good parent will find the embers and try to help them catch alight.” While Vlismas remains passionate about his companies and the work he produces, he sees a different role for himself in the near future: that of student. “I am looking into an MBA in the creative industries. I haven’t as yet
It is nice to be important – but it is more
Apologies are words. Responsibility is action.
studied further, but the regret has led me to explore a further qualification that will start in May/June, if I am successful in my application.” In the meantime, he says he is working at achieving a better work/life balance, which he calls ‘tough’ given that his work partner is also his life partner: “But we are making plans to correct that balance in the near future,” Vlismas is quick to add.
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Overcoming obstacles and catching dreams Mfundo Shozi, author of Dream Catcher: 5 Ways to Overcome Obstacles & Make Your Aspirations a Reality, made his choice early on in life. After being orphaned at just 12 years old, and losing his right leg in a tragic car accident in his first year of tertiary study, Shozi has fought hard to overcome life’s obstacles, choosing to make his life better, instead of bitter, every day.
B
orn in the Durban township of Umlazi, a young Shozi was plagued by sadness. His only escape was the soccer field, where he was protected from the township ills of drug and alcohol abuse. When his academic career was slightly derailed in Grade 9, Shozi’s family came together to put the youngster back on track and motivated enough to pass his matric year in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree pass. Applying to study a Business Administration course was the matriculant’s initial wish, but after accompanying a friend to DUT to write an entrance test to study Public Relations, and being accepted into the course, Shozi felt a strong urge to pursue the field that is now his greatest passion: “I got into PR by chance and I’ve never regretted it.” After opening his own PR consultancy with just R1 135.50 to his name in his first year of study, Shozi found a way to incorporate his passion for entrepreneurship into his studies: “I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart and I wanted to use the opportunity of owning my own company to build a legacy by starting something that would have a positive impact towards job creation in our country.” When Shozi lost his right leg during his first year of study, he was forced to drop out of the course and return the following year. Effectively ending all hopes of Shozi becoming a professional soccer player, the experience transformed a young Shozi, making him more focused and determined to succeed. The result was that he was named top student in his PR class; no mean feat for a young man in his prime who was still adjusting to the use of crutches and battling the residual pain from his accident injuries.
Mfundo Shozi Public Relations graduate DUTConnect // 10
FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
inspirational book was published in Canada and the US, making him one of the youngest African authors to be published overseas. Currently focusing on the success of his PR business Uvolwethu, Shozi maintains a positive attitude daily by watching motivational videos first thing in the morning and by keeping a schedule of inspirational speaking engagements, which remind him of how grateful he is with life’s bounty. Apart from being a successful author, Mfundo is also passionate about his motivational speaking career, which sees him sharing his story with youth gatherings and business seminars around the country. To date, he counts a speaking engagement he undertook at the launch event of the Essence festival, held in Durban last year, as one of his biggest accomplishments. “The support and encouragement I received from my lecturers motivated me to excel academically and receive 11 distinctions in the courses towards my PR diploma.” Shozi, who later went on to earn a B Tech degree in PR, remembers: “If there is anything that I look back fondly on during my time at DUT, it has to be being part of an environment that helped me to grow as an individual. I was fortunate enough to be led by amazing lecturers who always encouraged us to be the best at what we did and their passion and enthusiasim for their work and for PR inspired us all. I was fortunate to also meet some amazing people who have become close friends of mine and business partners as well.”
The young businessman also owns and runs a sports management company called MegaStars Sports Management, which provides private mentorship and consulting services. “I am motivated daily by Nelson Mandela’s quote: ‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’ I believe that all of us are more than capable of overcoming obstacles we might face in life; we have what it takes to achieve our dreams regardless of how big or small they might be,” Shozi concludes.
Still, the young graduate had plans for even greater achievement. At just 22 years of age, Shozi’s
In life when something happens to you, you have two choices; you either allow it to make you better or you let it make you bitter.
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BROADCASTING IN A MAN'S WORLD Nolwazi Machi considers herself extremely lucky to have been given an opportunity to study and then finding herself in a career that was to see her host the World Commonwealth Games, before Durban withdrew its winning bid earlier this year.
“I
grew up in the rural village of KwaDweshula, in a very impoverished household; I walked barefoot to school. I was staying with anyone who happened to be at home as my parents had separated, yet my mother encouraged me to study, mostly by making sure that I had everything I needed for school. So, when my high school teacher Mrs Masondo presented me with an opportunity to study anything I liked, Journalism made sense and she encouraged me, knowing what type of a student I was.” Machi then suffered a temporary setback when her beloved teacher relocated to Johannesburg just before her studies were to begin. “I struggled to find a place to live and I almost dropped out; it was the most painful thing as I could already see the light at the end of the tunnel. A senior student saw me crying and took me to one of our lecturers, Tara Turkington, who sent me to the Financial Aid offices. I had already applied for NSFAS so they took my file and sent me to the Residence Office. Within two days, I was given keys to the Lonsdale Hotel Residence.” Machi was then more determined than ever to succeed in anything she set her mind to. “DUT was to me a
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symbol of hope; it changed my life, and presented me with an opportunity to see the world in a different way. It reassured me that I seriously could become anything I chose to be. I remember how we used to sit under the middle tree at City Campus, The Tree of Knowledge, and eat hot chips (with green sauce) and bread. I miss the educational walkabouts and trips we took to the Bat Centre because they provided free lunch!” reminisced the impassioned broadcaster. Soon after completing her studies, Machi began an internship at O! The Oprah Magazine SA in Cape Town, which she calls a tough learning curve that taught her much. She then went on to enjoy many career successes, including the use of her poetry in the Grade 12 schools’ literature syllabus, working for SABC Sport during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and her current job as a sports producer and presenter on Ukhozi FM, and if the Commonwealth Games did come to Durban, Machi would have secured a presenting stint. She does, however, understand the reason for the country pulling out. “As someone who observed the 2010 FIFA World Cup, I can understand the government‘s decision to withdraw because the Games take a lot of money, and
FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
DUT was to me a symbol of hope; it changed my life, and presented me with an opportunity to see the world in a different way. It reassured me that I seriously could become anything I chose to be.
Nolwazi Machi DUT Journalism graduate
in this case, they needed more than the initial budget. The country is not in a good financial standing and we have crises such as the call for free education to deal with, so it would not have made sense. On the other hand, I understand why people like Chad Le Clos were devastated because this would have given them the chance to shine at an international event, right in front of their own people.” Maintaining Machi’s levels of success translates into hard work for this mum of two preschool-aged boys who must apply herself in a male dominated industry, while still caring for her young family. To do so, Machi works from the moment she opens her eyes to the second she closes them after her final bulletin past 10pm each night. And still, she continues to stretch herself by not only pursuing an MA in Creative Writing at Rhodes University, but also really living by her life’s motto of “do good, and goodness follows you”: “I’m very in touch with youth. I have opened a Life Reassemble Academy at Umthwalume to help youth prepare for matric rewrites, upgrades and those who have to start their matric from scratch. I’m passionate about it,” explains Machi.
A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF NOLWAZI MACHI: •
“My day starts just before 7am as I have other things that I do before my main job. Then I get to work at 3pm to produce and present my sports bulletins on the afternoon drive show (Woza Nabangani Bakho presented by Tshatha and Selbeyonce).
•
From 6pm, I start producing our daily sports show Prime Time Sports, which is presented by Victor Molefe between 7-8pm.
•
My last bulletin is at 10.05pm, then I call it a day.”
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CULTIVATING HER CULINARY JOURNEY Melmoth born and raised Fezile Zulu, 26, is a traditional chef passionate about the use of wholesome home-grown ingredients who is determined to help stem the tide of obesity plaguing South Africans in recent years.
I
nfamously known as the third fattest nation in Africa, South Africans need to start changing their relationship with food and its symbolism, says Zulu.
“Obesity is also associated with cultural and lifestyle beliefs and in South Africa, this is especially relevant in the African culture, as Africans still believe that a ‘real’ woman is one who has ‘meat’ on her. If you lose weight, you are seen to be unwell or even worse, have a disease.” And Zulu believes she has a plan to begin tackling the obesity epidemic. And to do so, the ambitious food scientist, who is also a qualified chef, is currently putting her energy into two significant projects in her life: the running of her catering business, Ezakithi Classing Catering, and the writing and publishing of her first cookbook, due on shelves this year. “Through both my business and my cookbook, I want to awaken in people a taste for wholesome food; to create great recipes based on hearty home cooking so that families begin to move away from their reliance on processed, unhealthy food.” Using the recipe development skills she picked up during her work integrated learning stint at Tiger Brands in Johannesburg, Zulu believes in the power of wholesome foods and the best ingredients brought together to create healthier meals that fight the tide of obesity taking hold globally.
Fezile Zulu DUT Consumer Science: Food and Nutrition graduate DUTConnect // 14
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Obesity is also associated with cultural and lifestyle beliefs and in South Africa, this is especially relevant in the African culture, as Africans still believe that a ‘real’ woman is one who has ‘meat’ on her. If you lose weight, you are seen to be unwell or even worse, have a disease.
For Zulu, who won a spate of awards during her studies, cooking has always been a panacea to life’s hardships. Growing up in a large extended family, she was often tasked with cooking the evening meal, and was always complimented for her abilities. “I always knew that one day I wanted to follow this career, write a cookbook and own a catering company.” While these dreams simmered away at the back of Zulu’s mind, she studiously applied herself to her studies and even took on leadership roles at student residences, an experience she believes has made her a capable leader in her business; “I was chairperson of my residence at Essenwood and Secretary of the CHC, which is a residence student committee on Durban campus, as well as a Secretary of Qhakaza Ladies Network. To hold these positions, we were given support of every kind from the Institution: they helped us develop leadership skills with training sessions and even helped us to navigate through those extremely difficult situations when you’re forced to make really tough choices. I’m so grateful for those sessions because I’ve brought them into my role as a leader in my company and use them daily.” For Zulu, Ezakithi has only just initiated its wholesome food journey. Once her cookbook is in circulation and in the homes of mums around the country, she is determined to launch her own catering school, initially teaching short courses on cooking basics, before moving on to more complex cooking courses. “I believe there is such a need for these lessons in South Africa. I was lucky enough to be part of a huge extended family and learnt so much from others around me. It’s much harder for people nowadays as they move away from
the big family circle and become reliant on processed and unhealthy food for their nutrition needs.” Zulu is also excited about continuing her own culinary journey, calling on friends and colleagues from various South African backgrounds to initiate her into their ways of cooking. “I never pretend to know it all; there is so much I still want to learn from other cultures and their ways of preparing food; I hope I’m always this excited and inspired,” she smiled.
NOTABLE FACTS: •
In 2009, she began studying a Diploma in Hospitality Management at the University of Johannesburg but abandoned the course when it failed to inspire her.
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In 2010, she graduated with an International Professional Chef Certificate from Capsicum Culinary Studio.
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Between 2011-2012, she worked as a chef at Indaba Hotel, where she started as a general worker, only to later be promoted to second in charge of the cold kitchen.
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In 2013, she started her Diploma in Consumer Science: Food and Nutrition at DUT and graduated in 2016.
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She was awarded ‘Best Food Skilled’ student for two years of her studies, as well as numerous other awards along the way.
DUTConnect // 15
Doing whatever it takes to succeed in showbiz You may recognise him as the troubled Phakamani in Mzansi Magic’s latest offering, Saints and Sinners, but actor, musician and comedian Siyabonga Radebe Mthembu has been around far longer than his recent small screen lead role would have you believe.
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o date, Mthembu has starred in several dramas, including Home Affairs, A Place Called Home, District Nine (an Oscarwinning science fiction movie) and SA’s most-watched soapie, Generations. He’s even acted with Hollywood superstar Idris Alba on an Oude Meester commercial. “I’ve been in the business for over a decade and I am as passionate about acting today as I was as a youngster growing up in the townships.” Mthembu, a DUT drama graduate, hails from the dusty streets of Durban’s Umlazi and Ntuzuma townships where growing up under the roof of his pastor grandfather introduced him to the stage from an extremely early age. “I started acting probably before I even knew it was a career option. We would act in school plays, sing in choir groups and always be a part of some entertainment group that ran in the township.” Mthembu attributes this early introduction to the stage as the impetus for his later career choice as an actor, and for his fundamental belief system, taught at the knee of his beloved grandfather. “You know, he passed on while I was still in primary school, yet he left such an indelible impression on me and how I live my life to this day. He exposed us to so much so early in our lives and I am extremely grateful to him. I owe my ability to confidently speak in front of other people to him.”
DUTConnect // 16
For a youngster who’d experienced the world of hustling to get places, working in a taxi rank, there I was stepping into a world of opportunity and I haven’t looked back since.
But the man the latest face of Multichoice hails as his greatest hero and the driving force behind his success is his father, who he refers to as ‘a township man, born and bred, uneducated, but the hardest working, most persevering person you’ll ever know’. “It was my dad who humbly showed me and his other children how to never stop reaching for what you want in life. He never allows anything to stop him from going after what he wants and I want to instil the same level of dedication in my own life and hopefully inspire my daughters to do the same,” says Mthembu, who is father to a four- and 11-year-old.
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It was this level of dedication that first motivated Mthembu to apply to the Drama department of DUT for a place in their programme. Armed with a financial aid award, Mthembu recalls walking into the department and having a whole new world open to him in the form of passionate lecturers and an amazing community of mentors who shared their passion for theatre and acting with the young Mthembu. “I remember the Head of Department Ms Debbie Lutge say to us early on that we would only realise how much we would miss that time at DUT until after we had left. It would be the only time in our lives when we had access to everything we’d ever need to create unforgettable art. We had technical support, mentors, and thought leaders all within our grasp and she constantly urged us to use them.” Mthembu was quick to realise the opportunities he had been offered and was already acting on a public stage at the KwaSuka Theatre in his second year of study with many theatre greats of the time. “For a youngster who’d experienced the world of hustling to get places, working in a taxi rank, there I was stepping into a world of opportunity and I haven’t looked back since.” The two-time Safta award winner (for best actor in a drama series for his role in Intersections and for Saints and Sinners 2) says he’s not done with his career aspirations yet. As one of the judges for the South African Film and Television Awards, Mthembu is focused on his production company Black Knight Productions, which has produced a few television shows. “Someday, if I manage myself properly, keeping in mind my responsibilities as a father, I even see myself going all the way to Hollywood. I know I have it in me to do whatever it takes to get myself there, and like I tell my daughters every day, the only limitations we have are those we place on ourselves.” Judging from the passionate actor’s meteoric rise to success, it’s evident that he certainly doesn’t place any limitations on himself to achieve; he is truly an inspiration to anyone he encounters.
Siyabonga Radebe Mthembu DUT Drama graduate
DUTConnect // 17
Flying the Flag of his beloved Alma Mater For Durban University of Technology’s Senior Director of Corporate Affairs Alan Khan, life has certainly come full circle.
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aving graduated from the Institution more than two decades ago with a Diploma in Journalism, the South African Radio Hall of Famer has had a tremendously successful broadcasting career. In 2011, after having worked on Capital Radio 604, East Coast Radio and as CEO of Jacaranda FM, Khan made the intriguing decision to come back ‘home’ to serve his alma mater.
“My involvement with DUT goes back 27 years. Many people asked what was wrong with me, giving up a CEO position at Jacaranda FM. I had this desire to come home and to contribute to the University that gave me a start in life.” An ardent DUT supporter, Khan recalls much of his DUT study years with great fondness, having developed a passion for radio in those early years. “I loved my student days. I got involved in campus radio, the SRC and our Carnival Committee (remember the RAG days?), made lifelong friendships and connections.“
Alan Khan DUT Journalism graduate
I meet alumni who are passionate about their University and I want to ensure that I can help position DUT so that it remains an attractive academic and research destination for future generations.
DUTConnect // 18
FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
are highly skilled, supremely committed and very dedicated to delivering on our agreed objectives.” And in those moments when things are under control, Khan, who is married to his best friend, sociologist Dr Mariam Seedat-Khan, is able to pursue more family oriented goals: “My eldest son, Nasser, is in Grade 12 and my youngest son, Ameer, is in Grade 10. I have been blessed with a very supportive family and I am now working hard to ensure that I can help build a foundation for my sons to be successful in life. I also want to spend more time supporting my wife in her career and focusing on improving my health.”
“I did work part-time at Makro as an in-store announcer and played at nightclubs in Durban. We had amazing lecturers who challenged us and moulded us to be credible and responsible journalists.” He reminisces too about massive ‘Tech parties with a purpose’ where up to 8 000 students converged on a marquee at the Ritson campus on Friday evenings to raise monies for student projects, charities, clubs and societies. Years later, Khan finds himself again assisting the Institution to meet its needs, though in recent years, it’s been in a far more formalised manner: “When it comes to DUT, I am still enthusiastic and excited. I interact with fantastic colleagues and so many inspirational students. I meet alumni who are passionate about their University and I want to ensure that I can help position DUT so that it remains an attractive academic and research destination for future generations.” As a winner of the University’s prestigious Silver Tusk Award (which is presented to alumni who, through their achievements, have brought great honour and recognition to the Institution), Khan’s focus as Senior Director of Corporate Affairs is to manage and direct the Institution’s reputational portfolio. These days, he sees himself as a metaphorical ‘firefighter’. “…I generally manage and direct the strategic direction of our Marketing, Communication, Design Studio, Logistics, Registry, Switchboard, Student Recruitment, Printing Department, Development and Alumni Relations. Thankfully, I have a fabulous team who
The holder of a Management Development Diploma from the former UDW and a GIBS UP Board Leadership Programme, Khan is also passionate about instilling the importance of pursing a good education in his sons: “Education is essential; there’s no debate!” When asked about his life philosophy, Khan’s return to DUT makes even more sense: “The beauty about life is that we all have the ability to help others, so please, be good and do good…”.
A FEW THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT ALAN KHAN: •
He is a Board member for the South African NGO Women & Men Against Child Abuse.
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He judged the MTN South African Radio Awards in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017.
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He was invited to join the Businesswomen‘s Association of South Africa (BWASA), having the distinction of being the only male in KwaZulu-Natal to receive this honour, and being one of two men in South Africa to serve with leading businesswomen.
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He also presents a daily talk show on national radio via the SABC on Lotus FM. The show, Walk the Talk, is broadcast Monday to Thursday between 7 and 8pm.
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He has enjoyed stints of television broadcasting and has covered powerboating on Super Sport in the 1990s and then cohosted am2day, the daily morning national TV show on SABC 2.
DUTConnect // 19
BURNING WITH A PASSION FOR TRANSFORMATION Wiseman Madinane
Born into an era of social activism, Chairman of the DUT Council and President of Convocation, Wiseman Madinane understands all too well the need to prioritise the transformation of tertiary institutions.
DUT Chemical Engineering graduate
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s the seventh of nine children born to parents who awakened his understanding of social injustice during the apartheid era and the need for a strong educational foundation, Madinane recalls the impact of racial segregation and how it affected his own life. “My father was a teacher who, in defiance during the introduction of apartheid, left government schools for missionary schools, which were largely farms schools. My parents were a very strong influence in my life. I became a student leader at Inhlakanipho High School, where we led the free education campaign in the mid-80s as part of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS). (It was here that) I came across some political mentors who were studying Chemical Engineering. These guys were smart, eloquent and politically astute. That’s what sold Chemical Engineering to me,” Madinane explained. On entering ML Sultan Technikon, Madinane’s experiences continuously beckoned to the activist within: “ML Sultan and Natal Technikon were racially homogenous institutions of Indian and white students. A year earlier, I was declined admission to Natal Technikon on the basis of race. Being an African student made one feel as though one were being done a favour.” Not long after entering the Institution, Madinane took on a passionate role in student politics: “I became the Deputy Chair of the then South African Student Organisation (SASO). This was in the early 90s, coinciding with the unbanning of political organisations, the release of political prisoners and return of exiled politicians. My political activity spiked and nearly compromised my studies.” Luckily, Madinane completed his studies with an indelible impression of the need for transformation.
DUTConnect // 20
In the working world, Madinane was first an employee of Mondi Paper and left as a director. While there, he was offered the opportunity to study in a Senior Executive Programme at the Harvard Business School in the US. Madinane became CEO and shareholder of a multimillion rand business, later becoming a consultant specialising in mentorship, coaching and turning businesses around. He later joined Transnet as an executive manager in the Rail business. Currently, he is Managing Director of a division of C Steinweg Bridge and remains focused on transformation in the country, listing his achievements in this arena as the greatest in his successful career. “I have made a fair contribution to transformation in the companies that I have worked for and, not even my own career and financial successes are anything close to my contributions to transformation and people development.” In the same tradition, Madinane’s role at DUT is one he is committed to: “It is no accident that transformation is high on my list of priorities. We must eradicate tendencies and compulsions to behave as the past and not the present DUT.” Madinane is committed to higher education funding: “Fundraising is one of the important initiatives of Convocation. I call on all alumni to contribute towards our Bursary Fund. To all the alumni who were beneficiaries of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), please make good on your loans. This will ensure that the NSFAS is able to assist more students. It’s the right thing to do!” said the impassioned leader, who will hopefully take the Institution’s fundraising imperatives to the next level.
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DUTConnect // 21
FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
Who and what is DUT's CONVEX? The Convocation of the Durban University of Technology is the statutory body and name given to its constituency – the alumni, academics and staff of the university. You immediately become a member of Convocation when you receive a qualification from the University.
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o protect your interests in how the University is run and managed, Convocation is given the power to elect the University Chancellor, the President of Convocation, and members of the Executive Committee of Convocation (Exco). These Convocation Executives or Convex members are then enabled to represent the alumni in influencing the reputation of the Institution by promoting the interests of the Durban University of Technology.
The current Convocation Executive, for the period of 2016 to 2018, consists of:
WISEMAN MADINANE DUT QUALIFICATION
National Diploma in Chemical Engineering
LEADERSHIP ROLES Current President of Convocation and Chairperson of Council
CURRENT POSITION Managing Director at C. Steinweg Bridge
SIBONGILE YAKA DUT QUALIFICATION
National Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting
LEADERSHIP ROLES Yaka is an award-winning finance professional with extensive business experience, having held management positions in various organisations and multi-nationals across diverse industries.
CURRENT POSITION Commercial Manager at SABMiller. She is a founding director of Kanani Consulting, a finance and marketing consulting firm.
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MALUSI MKHIZE DUT QUALIFICATION
National Diploma in Electrical Engineering
LEADERSHIP ROLES Mkhize is a South African professional, with well over 16 years’ experience in engineering, technology, project management and operations management with Leading tier 1 global companies. His experience spans several industries, from FMCG, automotive, mining, mineral processing to alternative and renewable energy.
CURRENT POSITION He is the founder and managing director of GP. TECH and a member of Gcwabe Investments (Pty) Ltd.
QHAWELENKOSI MZIMELA DUT QUALIFICATION
National Diploma in Accounting
LEADERSHIP ROLES He was an SRC member at DUT. He held the portfolio of Education and Transformation Officer, from 2011 to 2012. He was also an ANCYL Branch Secretary at DUT, former YCLSA Branch Chairperson at DUT and former SASCO REC member in the Durban Central Region.
CURRENT POSITION Office Administrator at UKZN
AYANDA NGIDI
DUT QUALIFICATION National Diploma as well as a B Tech in Language Practice
LEADERSHIP ROLES He was a Council member for two years, SRC President for two terms, as well as Secretary to the Central Housing Committee and Deputy Secretary of the DUT Durban South Africa Students Congress (SASCO).
CURRENT POSITION He is currently employed by Dumack Construction Civil Engineers as a Marketing Consultant.
THUBALETHU PHAKU DUT QUALIFICATION
National Diploma in Sport Management
LEADERSHIP ROLES He was the DUT USSA Squash Team manager in 2003, the USSA Team South Africa Captain in April 2002, April 2004, March 2005 and August 2005 held in Spain, Italy, Algeria and Turkey respectively. Phaku was also Team South Africa Captain for ASA in March 2005 in Mauritius.
CURRENT POSITION He is currently employed at DUT as the Sports Centre Supervisor.
DUTConnect // 24
FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
THULI DUMA
DUT QUALIFICATION National Diploma in Business Administration and a B Tech in Commercial Administration
LEADERSHIP ROLES Duma’s professional membership includes the Association for Office Professionals of South Africa (OPSA) and Annual Secretarial and Administrative Professional Symposium (SAPRO). She is the convenor of the DUT Staff Recreational Team. She is passionately involved in community development activities and youth development programmes.
CURRENT POSITION Duma is currently employed at DUT as the Executive Secretary to the Executive Dean: Student Services.
CHARMAINE KORPORAAL DUT QUALIFICATION
Masters of Technology Chiropractic
LEADERSHIP ROLES She sits on the International Chiropractic Regulatory Forum and the Public Health Committee for the World Federation of Chiropractic. She was recently nominated as a representative of the WFC to sit on WHO committees. European Council on Chiropractic Education: DUT representative 2009 – 2012. ECCE representative to the CCEI: 2009 – 2011. The Executive of the Chiropractic Association of Federation de Chiropractic du Sport (FICS): Council member 2003 – 2006; Executive Secretary 2006 – 2012; Africa representative 2003 – 2016. The Executive of the Chiropractic Association of South Africa: Council member (2001 – 2011), Vice President (2011 – 2014), President (2014 – 2015). National Internship Committee Co-ordinator for the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa.
CURRENT POSITION Charmaine is a senior lecturer at the Department of Chiropractic and Somatology – Chiropractic Programme at DUT. She also holds the position of FoHS Clinic Director (2015 to the present), overseeing the Dental, Chiropractic, Homoeopathy, Somatology and Radiography clinics.
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DUTConnect // 25
LINDOKUHLE KHAYELIHLE NKWANYANA DUT QUALIFICATION
National Diploma in Public Management
LEADERSHIP ROLES 1997 – 1998: Chairperson of Qomtaba Development Committee 1998: President of LRC 1999: Branch Secretary SASCO 2000: Provincial Treasure of SASCO 2000: Project Manager for Saturday matric tutorial classes in ML Sultan Technikon (called STEP project) 2000: Branch Deputy Secretary SACP 2001: Provincial Dep. Chairperson SASCO 2001 – 2002: ANCYL Branch Secretary Ward 37 2001 – 2002: KZN Coordinator of Swaziland Solidarity Network 2004 – 2005: Young Communist League Provincial Organiser 2005 – 2012: NEHAWU Regional Secretary, PEC Member of NEHAWU, CEC Member of NEHAWU 2005 – 2007: Young Communist League Provincial Secretary KZN 2007 – 2010: Young Communist League Deputy National Secretary 2007 to date: SACP Provincial Executive Committee 2006 – 2007: Member of Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business subcommittees (COSATU representative) and HR Sub-committee 2013 – 2014: ANC Communication Sub-committee member – KZN
CURRENT POSITION Head of Ministry Communications in the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
SIZWE SHEZI
DUT QUALIFICATION National Diploma in Journalism
LEADERSHIP ROLES During his student days, he served in a number of university structures including Council, Senate, Institutional Forum, and Student Representative Council (SRC). He also previously served in the Exco of DUT Convocation.
CURRENT POSITION Political Specialist for the US Diplomatic Mission (Embassy) to South Africa (SA) since 2006 as US Ambassador’s and Embassy Principal Advisor on political and economic issues
DUTConnect // 26
FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
MANDLA SHANGE DUT QUALIFICATION
National Diploma and B Tech in Human Resources Management
LEADERSHIP ROLES Chairperson of the Rural Student Development Society, an NGO, from 2003 to 2006, Peer Educator at DUT from 2005 to 2006. Mr Shange was elected as a member of the SRC of DUT for three consecutive years as follows: 2007 – Social & Welfare Officer 2008 – President of the SRC 2009 – President of the SRC As a member of the SRC, he served on the following committees: DUT Council and sub-committees from 2007 – 2009 DUT Institutional Forum from 2008 – 2009 DUT Senate and Senex from 2007 – 2009 Student Services Board from 2007 – 2009 He is also the Provincial Chairperson on the South African Youth Council, a position he has held from 2011 to date as well as being the Provincial Spokesperson and member of the Provincial Executive Committee of the ANCYL from 2015 to date.
CURRENT POSITION He was seconded from SALGA, where he worked as an Advisor: Human Resources, Collective Bargaining and Labour Relations, to CoGTA KZN as a Project Manager: Youth Development.
SIYABONGA VEZI DUT QUALIFICATION
National Diploma in Office Management and Technology
LEADERSHIP ROLES Chairperson: Dept. of Land Affairs, KwaZulu-Natal – Shared Services Centre (KZN-SSC) Transformation Team, 2005 Member of the Dept. of Land Affairs, KwaZulu-Natal – Shared Services Centre (KZN-SSC) Employment Equity Committee, 2005 Chairperson: KZN – Working for Water Transformation Committee, 2003 – 2004 Provincial Chairperson: KZN – Dept. of Water Affairs and Forestry Transformation Committee, 2003 – 2004 While at ML Sultan Technikon he was an active member in the following disciplines: Student Representative Council (SRC) as Community Project Officer, 2000 Student Representative Council (SRC) Member: as Sports Officer, 1999 Chairperson: M L Sultan Technikon Sports Executive Committee, 1999 Student Representative Council (SRC) Member: as Housing Officer, 1998 Chairperson: Baltimore Residence House Committee, 1998 Project and Campaign Officer: South African Students Congress (SASCO) at ML Sultan Technikon branch, 1998/1999 Chairperson: ML Sultan Technikon Sports Executive Committee, 1997
CURRENT POSITION Head of Administration and Systems, the Department of Minerals Resources in Pretoria
DUTConnect // 27
AWARDING DUT BURSARIES Ten fortunate Durban University of Technology students were recently awarded bursaries by the Development and Alumni Relations Department. The bursaries, totalling around R300 000, will go towards tuition fees.
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tudents who received the bursary awards, from the departments of Analytical Chemistry, Information Technology and Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics, were all applicants for NSFAS financial support but were unable to secure funding due to a shortage of funds. Explaining the initiative, acting Director of Development and Alumni Relations at the University Zwakele Ngubane said that the Development and Alumni Relations Office ran two initiatives aimed at providing support to DUT students. The first is named the ‘Missing Middle Bursary Fund’, which supports students who are ‘too well off’ to qualify for funding by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme but are still ‘too poor’ to fund themselves. The second is the Food Security Fund, which supports students who struggle with securing meals for themselves on a regular basis. Ngubane expressed gratitude to all those staff members and DUT alumni who contributed towards the fund on a regular basis. “It’s only through continued support from DUT staff, alumni and the greater University community that such assistance can be provided to our deserving students,” he said.
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Mlamuli Ntshangase, who is one of the recipients, said that although he was the last born of four children, he was the first to attend University. “When I arrived here, I only had registration fees,” he said. “… I am happy that through prayer, the Development and Alumni Relations Department at DUT was sent to lend a helping hand. I am truly grateful,” said the thirdyear Analytical Chemistry student.
FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY