The Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2024 World of Work (WoW) Career Fair which was hosted by the University’s Co-Operative Education unit was a declared a resounding success.

The spectacular DUT 2024 World of Work Career Fair was held at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, Steve Biko campus in Durban on Wednesday, 21 August 2024, Thursday, 22 August 2024, and at the Indumiso campus in Pietermaritzburg, Friday, 23 August 2024.

Acting Director: Co-operative Education, Dr Themba Msukwini shared that in terms of thoroughfare received at the DUT 2024 World of Work Career Fair, it saw a culmination of 5375 people (students and staff) collectively who had come to view the exhibitors on display at both the Durban and the Midlands campus halls.

According to Dr Msukwini, the DUT 2024 World of Work Career Fair was a platform for the employers to showcase their core businesses to engage with students and graduates for talent search.

Dr Msukwini further divulged that the general consensus from a meeting which was  held with various representatives from DUT as well as the Departments of Employment and Labour, indicated the dire need for more placement of DUT students.

“The Departments of Employment and Labour require curriculum vitaes (CVs) urgently in the area of IT, Financial Accounting, Marketing and Supply Chain Management. They will place students at Statistics South Africa (SA), Dube Trade Port and other established companies.  DUT learners will be funded by DUT-Bank Seta for their stipends which commences in October 2024.  DUT and the Departments of Employment and Labour are in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU),” he replied excitedly.

He further emphasised that there are also discussions in the works in terms of the placement of students within the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Treasury and Grindrod (Pty) Ltd, who are both committed to placing DUT students who have been contacted by Mr Amos Zungu, a lecturer from DUT’s Department of Auditing and Taxation.

One of the highlights mentioned by Dr Msukwini was the placement of Phumlani Mazwi Hlengwa at the Naval Base Durban in September 2022.

He expressed that the South African (SA) Navy have been partners with DUT for almost 18 years.  Dr Msukwini relayed that the young lad has now commenced training at the SAS SALDANHA military base in January 2024.  He indicated further that Hlengwa now forms part of the Military Skills Development System for two years, a feat on its own.  Thereafter, he will be offered the contract for further employment.

Dr Msukwini also mentioned that it was the first time hosting the prestigious DUT 2024 World of Work Career Fair at the Indumiso campus in Pietermaritzburg, and his unit aims to grow this event even bigger in 2025.

DUT students from the Midlands campuses, who were in attendance of the DUT 2024 World of Work Career Fair at the Indumiso campus were enthralled with what was on offer.

A first-year Public Administration student, Siphokazi Tembe (18) from Chesterville in Durban said she was excited to see that Transnet was part of DUT 2024 World of Work Career Fair.

“I was fascinated by Transnet. I like. The fact that it has many branches all over the country and we can maneuver our way in. It is where I see myself soon. I spent a over 30 minutes at the Transnet stand listening to their information and asking questions. I wanted to know exactly how I can get myself in the company,” said Tembe.

For Buntu Sithole (18) from Hayfields in Pietermaritzburg, currently studying towards his Diploma in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in Business Analysis, attending WOW was eye opening as he got a chance to learn what some of these companies are looking for when looking employees.

“The company that caught my eye was Umgeni Water because my father works there, and I see myself working for the same company. I would probably be in the technology field, the cyber security side because I am passionate about it. We appreciate DUT for hosting this event which was beneficial to students. We got a chance to see the different companies that are out there in the different career fields. The event served as an inspiration and a motivation for me to work harder towards achieving my goals,” shared Sithole.

All in all, the students at the Midlands campuses have expressed their desire to see more internship opportunities at exhibitions such as the DUT 2024 World of Work Career Fair.

Dr Msukwini gave his heartfelt thanks to all the exhibitors and especially thanked the sponsors such as the DUT Confucius Institute, Executrade, Coastlands Hotels, Manjee Consulting, Megazone Media, Coca Cola, Unilever and Pedros Chicken who had graced the event.

Pictured: DUT students visiting the DUT 2024 World of Work Career Fair held at the  Indumiso campus hall.

Photography: Mnqobi Mngobese

Simangele Zuma/Waheeda Peters