Page 11 - DUT 2025 Engagement Report Q2

the Department of Accounting and Informatics. This engagement enhanced the department’s visibility and provided professional development opportunities for staff in leadership and academic coordination.
The IWWT hosted a guest lecture by representative from Columbia University in April 2025 and conducted publication writing workshops to support postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and academic staff. IWWT researchers also participated in the AJ-CORE workshop, a collaborative initiative supported by the NRF and Japan’s Science and Technology Agency (JST), which promotes joint research and innovation projects between researchers from Japan, South Africa, and other African countries.
The DUT Disability Rights Unit hosted the Disability Indaba 2025, where ICON spoke on inclusive education.This event highlighted the importance of supportive learning environments, diverse curricula, universal design for learning, accessible materials, and collaborative efforts in higher education. ICON also participated in a Gender-Based Violence Workshop hosted by the DUT Gender Forum and a webinar on Democracy and Civil Liberties in Mozambique under the auspices of ICON and the BRICS Research Institute.
2.3 INDUSTRY COLLABORATION
2.3.1 Collaborations with Industry Leaders and Organizations
DUT has actively fostered collaborations with industry leaders and organizations across various faculties to enhance education, student employability, and sustainable development, aligning with the university’s ENVISION2030 strategic objectives.
The School of Education under the Faculty of Arts and Design (FAD), successfully hosted the AMESA Regional Congress at the Indumiso Campus in Pietermaritzburg, attracting hundreds of
mathematics educators. DUT’s Student Recruitment unit engaged with teachers, promoting the university’s academic programs to potential future applicants.
In terms of academic leadership, FMS has fostered a collaborative relationship with MetPacSA, securing a R70,000 sponsorship to procure “Go Green Friday” t-shirts to promote environmental sustainability.
A delegation from the Foschini Group visited FMS to conduct interviews with Level 3 Retail students in June 2025.The visit also explored experiential learning placements and discussed broader collaboration opportunities between TFG and DUT, with an emphasis on aligning curriculum with industry expectations.
The faculty hosted guest speakers from industry as part of its commitment to enriching student learning. A representative from Zutar, under Stakeholder Engagement and Social Sustainability, delivered a session on community development and project management. Also, a representative from Excellerate Brand Management Marketing presented on the importance of budgeting and financial planning.
In the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (EBE), the Department of Civil Engineering continues to facilitate the placement of DIBES1 and DICV1 students with external partners such as SANRAL, supported by the Co-operative Education unit. The program has demonstrated a significant impact in enhancing student employability, building professional identity, and contributing to SDG 4 by supporting youth skills development and access to quality education.
Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering advanced vacation work opportunities by placing students with industry partners, including Reutech, Flowmetrix, and Defy. This initiative aims to increase graduate employability.
DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Mthembu with the delegates from the AMESA Regional Congress
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