Page 14 - UKZN Foundation AR 2023

UKZN Engineering Students seen from left: Mr Zamani Duze; Mr Lungani Mthethwa; Senior Manufacturing Manager at Smiths Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd Mr Boyck Magwaza; Mr Uhone Mashamba and Mr S’phamandla Vilakazi.
UKZN RECEIVES KZN ENGINEERING
iNDUSTRY ENDOWMENT
In a collaborative effort to advance engineering education and innovation, UKZN and the KwaZulu- Natal subsidiaries of Metair Investments Ltd, comprising of Smiths Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd, Hesto Harnesses (Pty) Ltd, Automould and Unitrade 745 (Pty) Ltd have established The KZN Engineering Industry Endowment.
The initial contribution of R250 000 from Metair Investments Ltd to the UKZN Foundation, is a shared commitment to nurturing talent and enhancing educational opportunities within the realm of engineering across KwaZulu-Natal.
The endowment also fosters excellence in engineering education. By channelling resources towards the School of Engineering at UKZN, the endowment seeks to fortify educational infrastructure and programmes, empowering students to excel in diverse fields such as Mechanical, Chemical, Electronic, Computer, Mechatronic and Electrical Engineering.
The partnership between UKZN and Metair Investments Ltd signifies more than just financial support; it represents a strategic alliance aimed at empowering the next generation of engineers. Through collaborative initiatives, students will gain invaluable insights and practical experience, preparing them to address real-world challenges and drive technological advancements.
Metair Investments Ltd CEO Mr Paul O’Flaherty said: “Metair Investments Ltd, together with its subsidiaries, greatly value its relationship with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at UKZN and in particular Professor Glen Snedden and his team. We appreciate the students who choose to conduct their vacation work at any one of the four mentioned subsidiaries. Top performing students are also offered permanent employment, post-graduation. We look forward to growing our relationship.”
Snedden added: “I am extremely grateful to Mr Selvin Konar and his team at Smiths Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd and the larger Metair Group Ltd for their commitment to UKZN and our
12 UKZN FOUNDATiON ANNUAL REPORT 2023