The Department of Entrepreneurial Studies and Management at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) appointed its first ever advisory board members at their Inaugural Advisory Board Meeting which was held recently at Coastlands Musgrave Hotel.

This inaugural meeting aimed to appoint the new board that will promote communications between the institution, industry, professional bodies and public sector. Provide a forum for exchange of ideas, information and advice regarding curriculum development, work-integrated learning, professional body activities, sector policies and practices. Also, assist in the maintenance of standards, mutual assistance, partnerships and membership.

Mr Xolani Mbatha was elected as the Board Chairperson while Dr Luleka Mkhuzo was voted for the Deputy Chairperson position.

All the members who were appointed received the majority decision under open and fair voting process. The meeting which was also hybrid was attended by the international representatives from Southern New Hampshire University, U. S which are Professor Dr Christine Blais, Professor Dr Sophia Koustas. The guests were all given an opportunity to introduce their business, background and specialties.
The meeting procession was swiftly directed by entrepreneurial studies lecturers, Ms Lana-Ann Brady alongside Dr Mthokozisi Luthuli, who introduced the local and industry partners, and Mr Ntobeko Thiba who chaired the questions-and-answers session.

The guests which consisted of emerging and established entrepreneurs were not only embraced with wisdom and entrepreneurial theories, but also with exciting poetry entertainment.

On his welcome note, the Head of Department (HOD), Professor Dumisani Zondo emphasised the importance of collaboration and congratulated the newly elected board members.

“The advisory board meeting was a very successful one. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the new chairperson and the deputy chairperson. We look forward to them in taking our program, the faculty and the department particularly to new heights. So, then the student can realise the opportunities out there for both business administration as well as entrepreneurship. This goes hand in hand with our ENVISION2030, where produce adaptive graduates who are passionate and poised to contribute and initiate change in their environment. We take this opportunity to make sure that this advisory board becomes a success, and the success of the advisory board will be measured by the student success,’’ he elaborated.

Ms Shireen Singh, Acting Manager: External Engagement in the Co-Operative Education unit at DUT briefly detailed the role of their unit in assisting students transitioning from the institution into the workplace.

“In keeping with ENVISION2030 and most specifically to produce adaptive graduates, the department is directly involved in the placement of students across the university. There are two categories of placement we engage in placement of work; integrated learning students and graduate basements work integrated learning. To all our programmess we are normally guided by industry on what we should include, we also further invite industries to engage with students at these sessions. I once again want to thank you for being here, I’m excited about meaningful impact we will make together thank you,’’ added Shireen.

Dr Olajumoke Ogunsanya, department lecturer delivered an honorarium speech in appreciating the founder of Amavuna Food, Nzuzo Mvuna for his influential role in ensuring that the program is a success.

“Mr Mvuna have been very instrumental in having all of us here. He gave our department access to his database of contacts of associations, industry players who we could then approach to be a part of our advisory board. We want to thank you we honor you and we appreciate your efforts without you 90% of what we have done today would not have been possible. Therefore, we felt it is important enough that we officially recognise you for your contribution to today’s program,’’ said Dr Ogunsaya.

Ms Bukelwa Mbinda, also a department lecturer shared the insight on the way forward. She said that the most exciting part is seeing the upcoming and established entrepreneurs engaging on critical matters that pave direction not only for students but the country’s future.

“Our vision is to be the department of choice because for both the undergraduates and postgraduates. It is very important that we share this with you because mission of our department is to develop skilled and competitive students in entrepreneurship and business management administration leadership. Enable them with skills that will allow them to make a meaningful contribution to the growth and sustainability of their organization,’’ she said.

Shandu (Chairperson) extended his gratitude to the department and everyone who voted for him. He also vowed to fully commit himself in ensuring that this initiative benefits students and DUT as whole.

“I will appreciate if everyone take part and with one mind that when we are here it is all about helping the students it is not about us. We must understand that the work that we need to do is much more compared to what we have already done because we must raise the new generation that will impact the whole world. I know it seems as if we are going to be concentrating only on the faculty, but unfortunately you cannot do that work only on the faculty. Everything that we need to do will affect
every department at DUT. To the department and those who voted for me thank you,’’ he explained.

Delivering the closing remarks was Dr Itumeleng Maome, department lecture who appreciated the guests, the new advisory board members, the department and everyone who made the event a successful one.

“To the Advisory Board members, staff and industries we are honored by your commitment today and for you honoring this shared vision. I believe that you are here because you have the same vision. You do not want to have students that are lacking certain skills. So, with you being here you’re going to help us in developing the skills that you need once they come to your workplace. Therefore, your guidance would be very important in shaping our strategies and developing the curriculum,’’ she concluded.

Pictured: The Department of Entrepreneurial Studies at the Advisory Board Meeting.

Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.

Vukani Langa