The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Communications unit hosted the 2023 State of the University Address Media Tour on Friday, 10 March 2023. The tour was held in order to showcase the state-of-art-infrastructure currently under construction at the Indumiso campus in Pietermaritzburg.
Leading the tour was Ms Phindiwe Yako, Facilities and Maintenance Manager at DUT along with Ms Silindile Qwabe, Executive Secretary of the Midlands Campus Director, Dr Joe Molete. The media was first taken to Indumiso’s new library where Mr Siza Radebe, Manager: Campus Library and Sites Library allowed the media to explore the state-of-the-art DUT Indumiso Campus library.
In alignment to ENVISION2030 strategy, Radebe pointed out that the new library offers ‘distinctive education’ which inspires students to be Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.
The media explored the three-story building and viewed the Information Communications and Technology (ICT) Zone, the Information Literacy class, Writing Centre, Smart Services and Technology along the innovative study areas and offices. Radebe also informed the media that DUT was working on the necessary measures to come up with additional services that will fully accommodate students living with disabilities.
The media was also exposed to the Library Makerspace which provides an innovative, stimulating and supportive environment for collaborative and self-directing learning, creation of prototypes, testing of ideas or building something using advanced technologies.
“By 2030 the university is aiming on producing adaptive graduates who have the ability to generate new ideas, work collectively and solve problems. These graduates will be job creators instead of job seekers and will make an impact in people’s lives and contribute to the economic growth,” said Radebe.
Media also took a tour of the Engineering Block where they were introduced to Civil Engineering Lecturer, Dr Darlington Ikegwuoha who showed them the fascinating Water Laboratory. He stated that the lab specialises in analytical chemistry, providing services in the various disciplines of water, being potable water supply, sewage treatment, industrial effluents and acid mine drainage or underground water.
The tour was concluded by Dr Joe Molete: Midlands Campus Director who held a short presentation, unpacking projects at the Midlands campuses. He shared the Midlands Infrastructure Development Plan, mentioning the Engineering complex, Imbali Lodge, Sukuma Space and TVET Hub and how these spaces will ensure that DUT meets one of its ENVISION2030 statement of intent of producing adaptive graduates who are entrepreneurial and innovative.
Dr Molete expressed his excitement on the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation situated at the Indumiso campus. He mentioned that through this Centre, the university has been able to assist students in starting their own businesses and ensuring that students are entrepreneurial. Some of these students have graduated from DUT with their businesses already up and running and have created job opportunities for their unemployed peers.
After the presentation, the media was encouraged to ask questions and engage with Dr Molete and Ms Yako on the Midlands Campuses Projects.
Pictured: Civil Engineering Technical Assistant, Mr Nkosinathi Hlalukane with the Acting
HOD: Civil Engineering, Dr Chinenye Darlington Ikegwuoha showcasing the newly established Water Laboratory situated in the Engineering Block, Indumiso Campus.
Photographer: Vusi Dlamini.
Nomvelo Zulu/Simangele Zuma