Page 5 - DUT 2025 Engagement Report Q2

From left: Sanele Ntuli (DUT Confucius Institute);WEI Yimei (Beijing Foreign Studies University); Dr Nkosinathi Sishi (Director-General, DHET);The Honourable Dr Nobuhle Nkabane (Minister of Higher Education and Training);WANG Wanting (Beijing Foreign Studies University) and WU Lin (Chinese Director, DUT Confucius Institute).
The CI’s, International Education and Partnerships (IEP), and faculty participation in the G20 Education Working Group and attendance at a DHET-hosted Ministerial Dinner and Student Exchange positioned DUT as a key voice in national and global education policy discussions.
The Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) collaborated with municipal and national partners to improve water infrastructure and address long-term water security.These efforts integrated scientific research, public policy, and technological solutions in response to urgent national challenges.
The TTI Directorate also aligned with government priorities, working with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and other innovation agencies to support township entrepreneurship, technology readiness, and skills development.
Community: Empowerment, Engagement, and Transformation
Engagement for Social Impact remained a strong focus across DUT faculties and departments during the second quarter. Through collaborative programmes and outreach initiatives, DUT continued to foster inclusive development, mutual learning, and societal impact.
The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (EBE) played a pivotal role in engaging schools and civic associations through STEM career days and infrastructure design projects. Initiatives like RoboGirl 2025 and township infrastructure planning allowed students to co-create community solutions while gaining practical experience.
The Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS) actively supported community upliftment through development initiatives and
responsive, department-level engagements addressing social and economic challenges.
The Confucius Institute also contributed to social cohesion through cultural outreach, language education, and public events that promoted intercultural understanding and community participation.
ICON further extended its peacebuilding mission through collaborations with schools and grassroots organisations, implementing youth leadership development and peace club initiatives that foster cultures of nonviolence and active citizenship.
Meanwhile, the TTI Directorate, through Innobiz DUT and CSERI, advanced inclusive innovation by supporting informal sector entrepreneurs, township innovators, and youth-led start-ups.These efforts connected DUT’s research and innovation agenda with the needs of under-resourced communities, promoting social equity and sustainable local enterprise.
The second quarter of 2025 was characterised by strategic engagement and deepened partnerships across the academic, industrial, governmental, and community sectors. Through the implementation of the Quad-Helix Model, DUT continued to foster a harmonised and inclusive approach to problem-solving, innovation, and development.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the DUT’s activities in Q2, highlighting achievements, current initiatives, and future directions. The work undertaken showcases DUT’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking institution that empowers students, supports communities, and contributes meaningfully to societal transformation locally, nationally, and globally.
2025 Quarter 2 Engagement Report 3