The Durban University of Technology (DUT) team consisting of staff members from the Human Capital Services, Student Recruitment and Community Engagement units visited the Umkhumbane Secondary School in Chesterville to donate books at the school’s library on Wednesday, 18 October 2023.
The purpose of the event was to donate books to the school library while also assisting students with the necessary information needed for being admitted at the Durban University of Technology. Umkhumbane Secondary is one of the schools also known for its achievement of more than 95% matric pass rate for the past 10 consecutive years.
Buhle Ndawonde from Human Capital Services at DUT was the programme director, and she shared that DUT is about academic excellence, a perfect reason they were donating books to the school.
She then introduced the first speaker, Mrs Ntombi Msomi, deputy principal at Umkhumbane Secondary School, who welcomed the guests and introduced her fellow colleagues, the principal, Mr Ngobese and the second deputy principal, Mr Gumede. Ndawonde said that she was very grateful for DUT’s initiative to assist the school. She further shared how she hopes the event will benefit the school children.
Michael Zulu from the Student Recruitment unit at DUT, said that it was very important to know where one comes from and what they stand for? He further told the students to aim for greatness and enrol at one of the best University of Technologies. “DUT prides itself in offering scarce skills, it is important to know which skills are needed by the country,” he said. He also urged the students to use the Central Applications Office (CAO) to apply at the institution because it is the only way to get into the system.
Noluthando Mntambo, who is from Human Capital Services shared her experience as an intern at DUT. She shared that she recently graduated at the institution and then after, joined DUT as the YES programme intern. “The YES programme has helped me a lot. I have learnt so much on how to behave as an employee. I am still in the transition from being a student to being in the workplace and I am enjoying every minute,” she explained.
Ndawonde further mentioned that not only does DUT take the opportunity to create a foundation for its students’ studies, but they also ensure that one finds the relevant experience so that one can get employed.
Nonhlanhla Nyandeni from Community Engagement said that as community engagement they usually visit different schools, and she is happy to be back at Umkhumbane Secondary School as it is one of the best schools that they work with. She further thanked everyone who was involved in the programme, especially the students and the whole of DUT. “I am happy and thankful on behalf of the school. I am also happy that the school is in good condition and very clean,” she said.
One of the Grade 12 learners thanked the DUT team for the initiative, and shared how happy she was that the school has received the books. The session concluded with a group photo.
Pictured: The DUT team with staff and learners of Umkhumbane Secondary School.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Patience Makhaye
