Page 5 - DUT Excellence 2024 S1

FOREWORD
Mr Alan khan, senior director: corporate affairs
Welcome to the first edition of DUT EXCELLENCE for 2024. As you peruse these pages, you will find a rich tapestry of stories that exemplify the spirit of excellence that is synonymous with the Durban University of Technology (DUT). This publication is a celebration of our collective achievements and a testament to the commitment, dedication and innovation of our staff and students who live the values and principles enshrined in our ENVISION2030 strategy.
sustainability and social responsibility.From pioneering zero waste initiatives to addressing mental health challenges, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and sustainable campus environment. Notably, the Motsepe Foundation’s generous donation of over a million rand will further empower our initiatives and drive positive change within our community.
The first semester of 2024 has also been marked by a series of inaugural lectures, celebrating our academic achievements and thought leadership. Thousands of DUT Adaptive Graduates graced the autumn graduation stages in Pietermaritzburg and Durban, firmly equipped with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
At DUT we remain committed to fostering
an environment where leadership and excellence
thrive.This commitment was evident when ourVice-
Chancellor and Principal recently engaged with student
leaders. This dialogue not only highlighted our ongoing efforts to create an inclusive and supportive campus environment but also underscored the importance of student voices in shaping the future of our institution.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond our campus, as demonstrated by the impactful work of our staff and students on local, national and international platforms. Through ground-breaking research, innovation and learning, our staff and students are making significant contributions to society. One of our students, for example, was recently crowned Indoni Miss Cultural SA 2023/24, showcasing the cultural richness and diversity that we proudly celebrate at DUT.
In a significant development, the Space Science and Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) Research Centre in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South African Space Technology for Sustainable Development Foundation.This partnership promises to advance our research capabilities.
The selection of stories published also highlights our commitment to
Pictured: Mr Alan Khan
The Siyahamba Solar Boat was proudly launched in April and took to the waters in Monaco as the only South African and African representative at the 2024 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge.Additionally, we celebrated the success of our students and staff at various conferences and in competitions, showcasing their talent and creativity.The President of Convocation earned a Master’s degree in May and this was a testament to the lifelong learning culture we nurture at DUT.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the talented team in the DUT Communications Unit for their unwavering dedication and hard work. Their efforts in bringing these stories to life are truly commendable.A special thank you goes to Mrs Waheeda Peters, the Editor of DUT EXCELLENCE, for her commitment to promoting the very best of DUT.To our readers, thank you for taking the time to engage with DUT EXCELLENCE. Your support and interest is greatly valued and appreciated.We hope that you will find this edition both inspiring and informative – and that it gives you a glimpse into the vibrant and dynamic community that is DUT.
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DUT EXCELLENCE 2024