Page 22 - DUT CONNECT Summer 2024

The Faculty of
Accounting and Informatics
The Faculty of Accounting and Informatics, ably headed by Executive Dean, Professor Oludayo Olugbara, accomplished many milestones in the past year. The faculty is known for its successful graduates, boosting research output, academic aptitude with an emphasis on industry, and creating effective teaching strategies.
Media, Information, And Communication Technologies Sector Education And Training Authority 4Ir Research Chair Symposium, Expo, And Launch
The Faculty of Accounting and Informatics had the honour of being invited at the Media, Information, and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICTSETA) 4IR Research Chair Symposium, Expo, and Launch, held at Vaal University, on the 25th to 26th October 2024. Representing DUT was the Executive Dean, Professor Oludayo Olugbara, Head of Departments, Professor Nalen Naicker, Professor Olive Stumke, Professor Ferina Marimuthu, Marketing and Communications Officer, Ms Siphokazi Dlamini,Technicians, Mrs Ugeshni Moodley, Mr Fanie Ndlovu and MICTSETA 4IR students. Professor Naicker and Mr Fanie Ndlovu, alongside the students, presented projects currently underway at the MICTSETA Centre of Excellence at DUT. A key attractions was the impressive display of student-driven projects, which underscored the transformative impact of young talent in shaping South Africa’s 4IR future.
Merseta Skills Development Initiative
In November 2023, the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics received a significant financial boost, securing generous funding of R24 million from the merSETA Skills Development initiative.The substantial funding injection is set to be allocated strategically, with R15 million dedicated to alleviating the financial burden on students by clearing outstanding debts. This move is expected to increase accessibility to quality education and create an encouraging learning environment for aspiring accountants and information technology professionals.
The remaining R9 million will be directed towards the Faculty’s infrastructure and equipment development, specifically in the Smart Labs and Robotics department. This considerable investment aims to equip the institution with modern facilities, nurturing an environment favourable to cutting-edge research and hands-on learning experiences for students.
Professor Olugbara emphasised that the injection of funding is poised to have a double impact, benefiting students by clearing debts and facilitating the acquisition of additional equipment for the Smart Labs.
“I want to highlight that the 24 million in funding is not just a monetary boost; it’s a catalyst for positive change,” said Professor Olugbara.
Fasset Funding
Additionally, the Department of Information and Corporate Management, under the leadership of Dr Smangele Moyane, Head of Department, secured over R13 million in funding from the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET).This funding will provide extensive relief for students that have been burdened with historical debts and it will also fund internships that will improve students’ career prospects through beneficial industry experience.
“The support from FASSET will provide students with the opportunity to continue their education and focus on academic success,rather than worrying about past debts,” said Dr Moyane.
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