Page 6 - DUT 2025 Engagement Report Q1

2. INTRODUCTION
The first quarter of 2025 has been a period of significant progress and strategic engagement for the Durban University of Technology (DUT). As the university continues to expand its student population, a focused approach to student recruitment, research excellence, industry collaboration, and community engagement has remained central to its mission. DUT’s commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal impact is evident in the diverse initiatives undertaken across various faculties and units.
Throughout this quarter, the university has strengthened its recruitment efforts, aiming to position DUT as the preferred institution for top-performing students both locally and internationally.The Student Recruitment unit has actively participated in career exhibitions and is preparing for the 2025 Open Week, which is expected to attract over 6,000 learners. Meanwhile, the Marketing, PR, and Events unit has enhanced DUT’s visibility through targeted campaigns and strategic collaborations, aligning its efforts with the university’s ENVISION2030 strategic objectives.
DUT’s research outputs have exceeded expectations, with 531.61 units for journal articles, 46.69 units for conference proceedings, and 42.22 units for book chapters, totaling 620.52 units as of March 2025.This has been an increase from 575.40 units in 2023.
The Faculty of Accounting and Informatics (FAI) has made strides in research, academic excellence, and industry integration, with key milestones including preparations for the 9th Annual Information Communication Technology and Society (ICTAS) Conference, the launch of the Smart Robotics Lab, and ongoing efforts to establish an Accounting Centre of Excellence. Similarly, the Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS) has focused on strengthening research, enhancing student learning experiences, and fostering partnerships that support entrepreneurship and business innovation.
The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (EBE) has maintained its strong engagement with industry and community stakeholders. Key activities include a collaboration between the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Springfield Civic Association, a planned student research trip to Botswana, and co-hosting the Construction Business and Project Management Conference with the University of Cape Town. These initiatives highlight the faculty’s dedication to producing industry-ready graduates while advancing research in critical engineering and infrastructure fields.
DUT’s research institutes continue to play a vital role in addressing societal challenges. The Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology remains a leader in sustainable water management, integrating advanced research in nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, and environmental science to improve resource management and public health. The KwaZulu-Natal Institute for Electricity and Electronic Technology in Renewable Energy has advanced its international collaborations, including preparations for the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge and the Women TVET Lecturers Programme.
TTI along with Innobiz DUT and technology stations, has continued to drive entrepreneurship and industry partnerships. Notable
accomplishments include securing 75,000 Euros in research funding, establishing new collaborations, and developing cutting- edge technologies such as hydrogen-powered boats and AI-driven innovations.
The Advancement and Alumni Relations Unit has successfully secured funding from the Engineering Education Trust and Rand York Coretrays Pty (Ltd) while maintaining long-standing partnerships with key benefactors, including the Albert Wessels Trust, Toyota South Africa, and the Victor Daitz Foundation. These efforts resulted in over 200 students receiving financial assistance in the previous year, with new funding discussions underway to further support student success.
Further funding milestones include R1,080,000 in bursary funding approved by merSETA for six DUT staff members in the Mechanical Engineering Department, R13,990,000 secured from SETA for 2025 to support Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and graduate internships, and R770,000 received for the ETDP SETA training programme, with additional tranches pending approval for INSETA Data Science and IBSA training programmes.Also, the Department of Community Health Studies under the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) received a grant of R1.3 million from HWSETA to support Masters and PhD students.
The DUT’s Confucius Institute (CI) continues to promote global engagement through Chinese language education and cultural exchange. Initiatives such as the “Chinese+” Vocational Skills and Technical Training Programme have provided valuable learning opportunities for students and strengthened DUT’s internationalization efforts.
Community Engagement remains an important focus, with initiatives designed to broaden access to education and skills development. Programmes such as the UNI4ALL Programme, the Bergville Literacy Programme, and career guidance workshops in rural areas reflect DUT’s commitment to social transformation. These efforts align with the university’s commitment of fostering inclusive education and empowering communities through knowledge and innovation.
Despite facing challenges such as funding constraints, administrative bottlenecks, and resource limitations, DUT remains committed to its vision of academic excellence, research innovation, and societal impact.This first quarter report highlights the university’s progress and strategic direction, emphasizing its role as a leader in higher education, research, and sustainable development. Through continued collaboration with industry, government, and international partners, DUT is well-positioned to drive meaningful change in the years ahead.
4 DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY