The International Education and Partnerships (IEP)unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted the 2024 International Students’ Farewell luncheon at the Rendezvous Restaurant, Durban on Thursday, 28 November 2024. The luncheon was held to celebrate and appreciate international students for successfully completing their studies at DUT and who are about to embark on new endeavours in their lives.
The programme was chaired by the outgoing International Students Organisation (ISO) International Students Relations Officer, Ms Chantell Jembere and former ISO Project officer Mr Kieron Dzwairo.
Ms Carol Newman, International Education Officer then welcomed everyone with a few opening remarks. She thanked all the international students for choosing DUT and adding value to the DUT and South African community. Newman further acknowledged their bravery and perseverance since they often encounter a lot of challenges, such as issues around delays in issuing of study visas, language barriers, adjusting to new environment, culture differences and funding issues.
“We celebrate a very special moment which is a farewell function. It is the end of a journey, that has had some challenges at one point. We hoping that in some way our office have played a role in making this journey a little bit easier. We may not have been able to solve every challenges that International Students encounter, but we try our absolute best that we can. Despite all these challenges, I do hope it has been a wonderful experience for all of us,” said Newman.
IEP Officer, Ms Philile Mbamali conducted the award ceremony for students whose contributions have gone beyond academic activities, including the ISO executive committee as a recognised DUT students society. It forms part of the many other Student Services housed under the Dean of Students. Newly elected 2025 ISO executive committee was officially introduced, as they are set to resume their duties beginning of next year.
Ms Divinia Jithoo, IEP Manager delivered an insightful farewell speech, saying that the event serves as an IEP tribute to all the international students, in order to celebrate their achievements thus far, but also the beginning of a new different friendship between outgoing students and DUT.
“As our adaptive graduates, remember we are behind you all the way and we celebrate you with pride and joy. We look forward to collaborating with you in the future. I cannot wait to see you achieving greater things in the world. Thank you for choosing to be part of the DUT family, we are so proud of all the times you have spent with us and I wish you all the best in your future endeavours,” said Dr Jithoo.
Newly elected ISO president, Mr Cyril Ejidike from Nigeria also shared a farewell message with his fellow colleagues, assuring them that DUT ISO will be rooting for their achievements from a distance. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Construction Management under the Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying at DUT.
“In my capacity serving as the newly elected president, I am dedicated to upholding the legacy you have established and further developing the robust foundation you have contributed to. Your accomplishments and narratives will motivate us to pursue enhanced inclusivity, more robust support frameworks, and a significantly more dynamic international student community. On behalf of the ISO, I extend my sincerest wishes for your success in all your future endeavours,” he said.
Ejidike added that his role provides a great opportunity to address the unique challenges they face as international students, including navigating cultural differences to overcoming academic and personal hurdles.
Pictured: DUT international students at their farewell ceremony.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.
Thubelihle Dumakude
