Page 24 - DUT 2025 Engagement Report Q1

5. IMPACT AND CONTRIBUTIONS
DUT’s engagement activities have made a significant and meaningful impact on its staff, students, and the broader community. The university has actively addressed critical social issues such as gender-based violence and health concerns, including obesity, through awareness campaigns and intervention programs. These efforts have played a key role in raising public consciousness and driving social change.
The Innobiz DUT Call-Out Social Media Campaign directly supported DUT’s commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial culture. This initiative enhanced student awareness and understanding of business incubation opportunities, resulting in a more engaged and informed student body. The campaign positioned Innobiz DUT as a central driver of innovation and entrepreneurship at DUT, reinforcing its role in supporting student-led business ventures. Additionally, the campaign demonstrated the power of creative digital communication in driving student engagement and boosting participation in entrepreneurial programs.
The success of our student recruitment activities will be measured by the number of applications received through the Central Applications Office (CAO) and the number of engagements with schools and learners for the 2025 academic year. These metrics will provide valuable insight into the effectiveness of our outreach efforts and the broader impact of DUT’s academic offerings on prospective students.
The entrepreneurial skills development initiatives continue to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, supporting students in growing sustainable businesses. Business mentorship is a key aspect of these efforts, providing students with networking opportunities and hands-on experience in establishing and managing businesses. This support not only aids students in their entrepreneurial ventures but also creates employment opportunities within local communities. As these student-led businesses become more sustainable, they contribute to economic development by creating jobs and stimulating growth. Furthermore, these initiatives provide international exposure, enriching students’ academic experiences and enhancing their learning. In line with DUT’s broader mission, we remain committed to promoting gender equality in TVET education and strengthening the university’s position in global energy innovation.
The recently graduated CSERI cohort has demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment throughout their 12-month incubation period, resulting in significant achievements. Of the 56 SMMEs initially enrolled, 48 are graduating, reflecting an impressive success rate of 85.71%.These businesses have created over 45 jobs and sustained more than 300 jobs, with five businesses generating turnovers exceeding R1 million and employing more than five individuals. The cohort represents a diverse entrepreneurial
landscape, with 50% of businesses being women-owned, 62.5% youth-owned, and 4.17% led by differently-abled individuals. Collectively, these businesses have accumulated an annual turnover exceeding R75 million, highlighting the substantial economic impact of the incubation program.
The DUT’s partnership with Lenovo, Vodacom, and Microsoft provides students with free training and subsidized tuition fees, helping to reduce financial barriers to education.This collaboration plays a crucial role in upskilling students and supporting their academic and professional growth.
The IWWT has undertaken several projects that have contributed to advancements in water and wastewater treatment technologies. These innovations not only address critical environmental challenges but also have the potential to create new industries and job opportunities.The institute is dedicated to science communication, engaging the public through media and social platforms to raise awareness about water quality, environmental sustainability, and the importance of clean, safe water.
Community Engagement efforts have made significant strides in improving education, career development, and social empowerment across various communities. Through strategic collaborations with faculties, departments, and social partners, DUT has made a meaningful difference in the lives of learners, educators, and schools in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. Noteworthy contributions include the UNI4ALL Programme, which has helped matric learners navigate the university application process, leading to increased access to higher education and a rise in first- time university enrollments. Similarly, the Mahlabathini Schools Engagement Programme has strengthened curriculum support in the sciences through hands-on workshops and career guidance, resulting in a 100% matric pass rate for several schools in the programme. Top-achieving learners, such as Zamokuhle Kwanele Biyela from Mnyamana High School, have since enrolled at DUT, further demonstrating the programme’s success.
The impact of the DUT’s engagements includes continued international collaborations with universities, expanding research horizons in 2025.These efforts enhance the DUTs global presence and contribute to the broader scientific and academic community, fostering the production of high-quality research outputs. The first quarter of 2025 saw a greater output of publications and efforts continue to improve graduate readiness for industrial
22DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY