The Durban University of Technology prides itself as an avid sponsor of community engagement projects.

Recently, the department of Student Recruitment at the University sponsored Central Applications Office (CAO) forms, DUT handbooks and DUT writing pads towards a life changing project facilitated by the DUT Walsingham Residence Committee. The application forms, handbooks and writing pads were distributed to 30 Grade 12 pupils from Saphumula High School, Umbumbulu on April 26.

Senele Nhlumayo, the Residence Advisor whose brainchild this initiative is, said the project was aimed at giving the pupils career guidance as well as imparting information on how application procedures for higher education are done.

According to Nhlumayo, there is a great need to implement projects of this kind in marginalised areas as pupils living in these areas have little knowledge about the CAO and why it is vital to utilize it. Saphumula High School is no different. Due to this lack of knowledge, many of these prospective pupils wind up studying unfavourable courses or are not accepted into any institution.

Speaking to Zanele Mshengu, the Head of Department at the school, Nhlumayo gathered that the major challenges facing the learners are poverty and the long distances they have to travel to schools. “Most of them take three hours to get to school and when they are in class, they don’t concentrate at all,” Nhlumayo said. This has led to a rise in absenteeism which ultimately breeds failure as pupils do not “achieve the minimum levels of literacy and numeracy.”

“I would like to extend a word of thanks to (the department of Student Recruitment) for giving us CAO handbooks and DUT handbooks. We are working on getting (more) sponsorship to make a difference in the Saphumula learners’ lives,” said Nhlumayo.

Zuzumqhele High School, situated in an informal settlement in KwaMaKhutha, is next in line for a visit.

–Naledi Hlefane
Caption: Senele Nhlumayo; Walsingham Residence Advisor with matric boys from Saphumula High School.