The Durban University of Technology (DUT) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for academic collaboration with the Somali National University (SNU) at the Council Chamber, ML Sultan campus on Friday, 18 August 2023.
The aim of the MoU is to provide cooperation on academic activities between DUT and SNU that will strengthen mutual understanding, foster friendly co-operation, and promote sustainable and productive academic collaboration and exchange between faculty, students and research of both universities in integrated learning programmes.
DUT and SNU representatives who attended the MoU signing event.
Facilitating the signing ceremony was Mr Wiseman Jack from DUT’s International Education and Partnerships directorate. Mr Jack warmly welcomed the guests and shared his excitement on the partnership between DUT and SNU and his confidence that the relationship will be mutually beneficial to both universities.
Ms Carol Newman, the International Education Officer in the IEP directorate, conducted a brief presentation giving an overview of DUT and it’s offerings as well the ENVISION2030 strategy and proudly mentioned DUT’s current rankings and accolades when compared to other universities in the world.
She highlighted opportunities for engagement with the IEP office such as Collaborative International Online Learning (COIL); virtual webinars, research seminars, internationalization of advisory boards, collaborative qualifications and staff and student exchanges.
Speaking on behalf of the DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu in his absentia, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola extended a warm welcome to the SNU Rector, Professor Hassan Omar Mahadallah and Mr Abdi Hirsi, the Cultural Attache from the Embassy of Somalia in Pretoria.
Prof Nemavhola highlighted that the collaboration will enable us to explore areas of synergy and explore areas for collaboration. Prof Nemavhola suggested that the two universities explore the following areas of collaboration: sustainable development and environmental conservation, water resource management and infrastructure development, healthcare community work (public health, innovation healthcare, prevention, and disease surveillance), educational exchange programmes, and technology and innovation.
SNU Rector, Prof Hassan Omar Mahadallah gave a brief insight on the SNU. It was established in 1950 and is the oldest Somalian university which currently has 12 faculties. He assured DUT of SNU’s commitment to the collaboration and vowed to follow up on this MoU to ensure that it succeeds. He highlighted that SNU has a Public Health faculty and hoped tha DUT could assist in strengthening it. Others areas that SNU needed assistance in, included grant writing and grant management, Maritime studies as well as educating researchers on how to convert their research for commercial purposes.
Also present at the event were Professor Keolebogile Motaung, Director: Technology, Transfer and Innovation (TTI), Professor Runnete Kruger, Executive Dean: Faculty of Arts and Design, Professor Gugu Mchunu, Executive Dean: Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Alain Tschudin, Director: International Centre of Nonviolence, Dr Nomcebo Mthombeni, Acting Deputy Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment who also shared possible collaborations that can take place between their offices and SNU.
In closing, Mr Jack thanked the DUT team and SNU team for their commitment to the MOU. Prof Nemavhola and Prof Mahadallah signed the MoU to seal the partnership.
Pictured: DUT DVC: RIE, Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola and SNU Rector, Professor Hassan Omar Mahadallah signing the MOU between the two universities.
Simangele Zuma
