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DISABILITY RIGHTS UNIT HOSTED THE 2024 STUDENTS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES (SWD) FIRST-YEAR ORIENTATION
The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Disability Rights Unit (DRU) hosted the 2024 Students Living with Disabilities (SWD) First-Year Orientation on Wednesday, 6 March 2024 at Indumiso Campus Sports Centre, Pietermaritzburg, and on Thursday, 7 March 2024 at Ritson Campus Hall in Durban.
The purpose of the Students with Disabilities (SWD) First- Year Orientation is to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for SWD as they begin their academic journey. This orientation aims to introduce students to the resources, services and support available to assist them in their academic and personal success, to introduce SWD to the support services available in the institution, and to address any concerns or questions students may have regarding their academic journey.
Mr Sihle Mbanjwa, Senior Psychologist at DRU, welcomed and thanked all the guests for attending the event. He then emphasised on the importance of disclosing their disability to get the help they deserve.
“As the DRU we are ensuring that all students are included in the university, and we need those students with disabilities to voice out their concerns and to receive the support they need. Disclosing is recommended as it allows the department to adequately plan for those students and place them in the correct funding classification,” said Mbanjwa.
Dr Clement Moreku, DUT Dean of Students, said that it gave him great pleasure to be part of the orientation. He then shared that DUT would do everything to make sure that the students are provided with essentials that they need.
“If you find that you are faced with a problem, please raise it with my colleagues and they will assist you so that you get the graduate attributes,” he said.
He further went on to thank everyone that made a huge contribution in making the university ride enjoyable and easy for the students.
Presentations were made by representatives from different units including the library, student health, student counselling, sports department, campus safety: protection services, financial aid, and the Student Representative Council (SRC). These presentations outlined the importance of each department and how to access their services.
Different speakers at the orientation highlighted the importance of students speaking up when they are faced with challenges so that issues can be addressed effectively.
Gugu Khuluse, Disability Officer under the DUT Student Counselling and Health Disability Rights Unit, thanked everyone who made the event a success. She added that she hopes that the students will use the information they received during the orientation and that they enjoy the journey before them.
Patience Makhaye
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DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY