Durban University of Technology (DUT) and DHBW Ravensburg have embarked on a ground-breaking journey of cooperation through a newly signed bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic alliance aims to enhance international understanding, cooperation and friendship, aligning with the broader partnership declaration between the sister provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Baden-Württemberg, in Germany.
Professor Thandwa Mthembu, Vice Chancellor and Principal of DUT and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Herbert Dreher, President of DHBW Ravensburg, were both very optimistic about the future of this partnership. By working together, both institutions seek to create a more inclusive, innovative and interconnected academic environment that benefits students, staff and the broader communities of KwaZulu-Natal and Baden-Württemberg.
In line with the DUT ENVISION2030 strategy and the objective of being an engaged university that establishes mutually beneficial partnerships, this MoU solidifies the friendly relationship between KwaZulu-Natal and Baden-Württemberg, aiming to benefit both the people and economies of the two provinces. By fostering closer ties, the partnership seeks to further promote mutual understanding and collaboration across various sectors.
A cornerstone of this partnership will be the physical and virtual exchange of students and staff. Recognising the importance of intercultural understanding, both universities will facilitate reciprocal on-site teaching for undergraduate and postgraduate students; joint Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) activities; international virtual lectures and; Advisory Board representation from DHBW, for DUT’s engineering master’s programmes and business school.
These initiatives also aim to broaden the horizons of students and staff, fostering personal and economic cooperation. Joint research endeavours between DUT and DHBW will boost the research capabilities of academics. By publishing collaborative research findings, this exciting partnership will aim to benefit both provinces, with a particular focus on promoting young researchers. This important initiative will enhance academic excellence and drive innovation and economic growth.
DUT and DHBW believe that the promotion of young researchers is a critical objective and that joint supervision of PhD students will play a pivotal role in achieving this. By combining perspectives from different researchers in South Africa and Germany, the quality of supervision and research outcomes is expected to improve significantly. This initiative will also benefit DHBW candidates pursuing doctorates at DUT.
A joint leadership programme for Heads of Department and university leaders will strengthen leadership qualities at both institutions. The programme will facilitate knowledge exchange on leadership challenges and best practice, ensuring that both universities can successfully navigate the complexities of higher education leadership.
Pictured: left to right: Prof. Dr. Dobbelstein (international strategic development at DHBW and hon. Research Professor at DUT) Prof Thandwa Mthembu (Vice-Chancellor and Principal at DUT), Prof. Dr. Herbert Dreher, President of DHBW and Thomas Schieber, Director, International Office at DHBW.
Alan Khan
