The prestigious Donor Recognition Event was held at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Hotel School Conference Room, early this month.

The aim of the event was to recognise and appreciate the hard work that is being done by donors who donate to DUT, who bring about change to the lives of the students who are facing financial issues. The second aim of the event is to award these donors with certificates as a token of appreciation from DUT.

The donors at the event were the DUT staff, Ms Tozi Mthethwa (Absa), Mr Wandile Ngubane (Absa), Mr Welcome Hlongwa (BP Angola), Dr. Mahmoud Youssef – Baker (IQRAA Trust), Ms Annisha Ragoonandhan (Toyota), Mr Nathi Mbonambi (Toyota), Mr Harri Narismulu, Mr Rajen Reddy, Ms Nompilo Nzimande and Mr Lindani Ngubane from the Engineering and Educational Trust.

DUT’S Vice – Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu said the University staff had done a sterling job. “There are very difficult things that are happening in the institution but also exciting things as well, like this event,” he said.

Ms Carissa Marnce, a bursary recipient studying Journalism, said she is grateful she had applied for the DUT alumni bursary because she no longer has to worry about her financial issues as the bursary covers for all her expenses and helps her to just focus on her studies.

Zwakele Ngubane, Director: Advancement and Alumni Relations, said, “We thank all the bursary donors and students who have participated and everyone who came to the event, and who may not be a donor but wish to contribute in the near future,” he added.

The Deputy Vice – Chancellor Research, Innovation and Engagement Professor Sibusiso Moyo, also thanked everyone for their attendance. She added that DUT has more than 30 000 students and most of these students are funded by NSFAS and some face challenges. “We need to get together and do more partnerships, especially with more industries. Students need to get experience that will help them in the future so that they will be able to get into industries when they finish their studies. We need to support them with the necessary skills they need in order to get what they deserve in the future,” she said.

Pictured:  DUT Staff, Donors and Bursary Recipients.

Nomkhuleko Thutshini and Sanele Xaba.