The Durban University of Technology’s Advancement and Alumni Relations Unit hosted an exciting, different and unique music and dance-packed fundraising event on the 2nd June 2023 for the DUT Bursary Fund and the Phakimpilo Food Security Programme. The Simply The Best tribute musical event, held at the Suncoast Barnyard Theatre, started at 7pm and featured some of the greatest hits of the 80’s from the likes of Michael Jackson, Elton John, Tina Turner, Cher and Meatloaf. The hits were impressively performed by the talented and professional resident Barnyard Theatre band.
“Hosting this fundraising event was an opportunity for us to not only raise funds for the mentioned initiatives, but also to raise awareness about the Advancement and Alumni Relations Unit and the work it does. In addition, it also provided us with an exciting opportunity to connect with the DUT community, including staff, students, alumni and donors,” said Zwakele Ngubane, the Director of the Advancement and Alumni Relations Unit.
The event was well-attended and included many DUT staff, alumni, donors, sponsors and members of the public who got to enjoy the musical extravaganza while contributing towards a good cause for only R195.00 a ticket. Among the guests were DUT executive members, Prof Suren Singh, the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof Keolebogile Motaung, the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Prof Oludayo Olugbara, the Executive Dean of Accounting and Informatics, Prof Gugu Mchunu, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Prof Runette Kruger, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Design. In her opening remarks Prof Motaung, indicated that “initiatives like these, give expression to our ENVISION2030 values and principles, in particular compassion, as all the proceeds from the tickets sold would go towards assisting students in need.”
The event was enjoyed by all present as it took many on a musical stroll down memory lane with guests dancing and singing along with the band. “I am so overwhelmed by the positive response and the number of tickets we sold. I am truly grateful to all those that came out in their numbers to support the event,” said Ronelle Lyson, the Alumni Relations Coordinator and lead organiser of the event.
Guests were also treated to many sponsored prizes that were given away during the break at the event. Arguably, the most coveted prize went to a very lucky guest who, during the raffle competition, won two VIP tickets to the Tamia Concert which will take place in July this year. This prize was generously sponsored by the ICC. There are many other prizes that were won by guests, including spa vouchers, weekend getaway vouchers and various hampers and items from the various sponsors.
During her vote of thanks, Nishie Pramchund Govender, the Manager of the Fundraising and Alumni Relations expressed her appreciation and gratitude to all those who attended in support of the initiative and thanked the sponsors who were the IQRAA TRUST, DUT Gender Forum, Trimbourne Bus Services, The ICC Durban, The Spar Group, City of Choice Travel and Tours, CMH Multifranchise Umhlanga, Farrell Attorneys and Sheer Elegance.
Pictured: DUT staff and students have a fun night at the Barnyard Theatre.
Ayanda Khumalo/Zwakele Ngubane