The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (EBE) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently held its first Industry Connect 2025 themed Bridging Academia and Innovation at Elangeni Hotel in Durban.

The event which was swiftly facilitated by Matshidiso Moso, a lecturer in Industrial Engineering, aimed to foster collaborations between the academics and the industries with the goal of exchanging innovative ideas that will benefit both institutions; provide students with industry perspectives; inculcate a culture where students are not just studying to pass a module but to influence and have an impact on industry, and the society.

During his opening remarks, the Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Prof Sudesh Rathilal, warmly welcomed the guests and briefly highlighted the importance of the event.

He said that through the years they have always been exploring ways to improve relationships between EBE academics and industries and have been continuously engaging with the industries. However, in the last few years the relationship has not been as strong as it should be, due to many programmes offering degrees without compulsory Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities.

Therefore, the faculty saw the necessity to schedule such an event to bring academic staff and industry together to engage on a high-level discussion with the intension of implementing certain collaborative projects within the institution and within the industry.

In addition, Prof Rathilal underlined the importance of fostering these relationships to be able to know exactly what the industry is doing and their needs. He also added that it aligns with the ENVISION2030 strategy which talks about producing adaptive, entrepreneurial and innovative graduates.

“I am excited because it is the first time we have such event, but it certainly would not be the last. I do believe that the staff within the academic institution can have a very direct, positive influence on the performance of industry as well. So, there is a mutual benefit. We want to give our students real world problems and existing problems from the industry to work on,’’ he explained.

Delivering the keynote address was Mr Siyabonga Ntombela, an industrial expert from Sasol who did a presentation on the significance of concepts, design, execution, and maintenance in engineering projects.

Ntombela expressed how honored he is to be part of this event and hoped that going forward there will be more engagements of this kind.

However, one of his concerns was that the universities are producing graduates who excel in theoretical knowledge and yet industry on the other hand continues to report significant skills shortage in various fields.

He emphasised that the country faces massive challenges with current infrastructure collapsing. Therefore, the role of academia is quite important in identifying actionable solutions that will strengthen both education and improve the outcome for the country. Further stating that the knowledge of engineering must make an impact in the country and contribute to the economic growth. “At the end of the day it is not just to have engineering graduates that have knowledge of engineering,’’ he added.

Mr Mfundo Mhlongo, Manufacturing Expert from Umlig Engineering shared the same view, saying that engineers need to take accountability of some of the problems faced by the country.

He encouraged the engineers to be at the forefront and challenge the existing methods to produce relevant solutions. Mhlongo also stated that another concern is that there is a huge challenge in the plastic industry. There are no sufficient officials and academics in the field.

Amongst other industry representatives that presented their input were Mr Nkosinathi Ndlela, an industrial consultant from CESA, Ms Mbali Sibiya, and industrial expert from Umngeni uThukela water, Mr Mfanasibili Nkonyane, and industrial expert from Umngeni water PMB, and Ms Sindisiwe Shozi and Ms Phumlah Ngobo, both industrial experts from eThekwini Municipality.

The Deputy Dean, Professor Moloi appreciated all the guests and recognised the value the industry partners bring to the institution. He also handed gifts to the industry representatives as a token of appreciation for their presence.

Pictured: DUT Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment and industry representatives at Industry Connect 2025 themed Bridging Academia and Innovation.

Photographer: Zamani Mathe.

Vukani Langa