The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) staff and students gathered for a fun-filled sports day and camaraderie at the Vice-Chancellor’s Cup 2024 which was held on 5 October 2024.

The Vice-Chancellor’s Cup consisted of dynamic teams from the Durban and Midlands campuses competing in various sports such as aerobics, athletics, basketball, chess, e-sport, football, netball, volleyball, and rugby.

In attendance to the prestigious sports event was the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations, Dr Vuyo Mthethwa, Interim Campus Director of the Midlands campuses, Prof Mashupye Kgaphola, Interim Director: Student Services, Mr Phumlani Mnyango, Director: Special Projects in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Matheakuena Mohale and the Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku.

A thrilling curtain raiser match was held which showcased the sporting acumen of the Executive Management Committee, led by the Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane, against the DUT Labour Union representatives.

Dr Nkonoane welcomed everyone to the sporting event and shared that the DUT community needed to embrace the day because it demonstrated how people lived their values. Adding to the conversation was Prof Mthembu who was elated to see DUT staff and students unite at the Vice-Chancellor’s Cup 2024, participating in various sports activities. He emphasised the importance of such a unity in achieving the ENVISION2030 strategy’s seventh strategic objective of Distinctive Education. 

“This objective aims to make DUT a university that offers a unique, educational experience, fostering a compelling and forward-thinking living and learning environment,” he explained.

Further on, Prof Mthembu highlighted that Distinctive Education goes beyond innovative curricula and research.

“It’s about creating a holistic environment where students can grow and thrive,” he said. He also encouraged students to engage in the various activities to become well-rounded individuals.

He indicated that by achieving this objective, DUT aims to provide an education that prepares students for life beyond academics, equipping them with skills and values necessary to succeed in an ever-changing world.

In his closing remarks he congratulated all the winners, and he had promised to join the team in the forthcoming Vice-Chancellor’s Cup 2025.

Announcing the winners was the DUT Midlands Sport Officer, Mr Qhawe Mncwabe. He is from the DUT Sports Administration unit in the Midlands, who served as the master of ceremony at the Vice-Chancellor’s Cup 2024.

The winners were as follows:

 Aerobics: 

• First place: Team Durban
• Second place: Team Midlands

Ladies Basketball: 

• First place: Team Durban
• Second place: Team Midlands

Men’s Basketball:

• First place: Team Midlands
• Second place: Team Durban

 Chess: 

• First place: Team Durban
• Second place: Team Midlands

E-sports: 

• Firstplace: Team Durban
• Second place: Team Midlands

Netball Males:

• First place: Team Midlands
• Second place: Team Durban

Netball Females:

• First place: Team Durban
• Second place: Team Midlands

Ladies Rugby: 

• First place: Team Midlands
• Second place: Team Durban

Men’s Rugby: 

• First place: Team Durban
• Second place: Team Midlands

Men’s Football team: 

• First place: Team Midlands
• Second place: Team Durban

Team Midlands was the overall winners of the Vice-Chancellor’s Cup 2024, and the prestigious cup was handed over to them by the DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Mthembu.

Pictured: DUT Sports participants showing their sporting mettle at the Vice-Chancellor’s Cup 2024.

Sinethemba Njoko