The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Disability Rights Unit (DRU) hosted the 2023 Students Living with Disabilities (SWD) First Year Orientation on Monday, 27 February 2023 at Indumiso Sport Centre, Pietermaritzburg and on Tuesday, 28 February 2023 at Ritson Hall in Durban.
Nombulelo Msane engaging with Mpumelelo Shangase, DUT Sport Administrator.
Mr Masiza Ngculu, Manager: Student Governance and Development at DUT welcomed all the guests and thanked them for attending the event. He also shared the purpose of the 2023 SWD First Year Orientation.
The purpose of this orientation was to introduce the colleagues from the Disability Rights Unit (DRU) to students living with disabilities. The DRU aims to create an equal, accessible and welcoming environment for all students living with disabilities. The purpose of the event was to also introduce them to different departments and service areas of the university.
“This orientation will allow first years living with disabilities to understand the nature of the institution, the educational opportunities available to them and gaining a broader overall perspective. It is also held to help welcome first years that are living with disabilities and allow them to make new friends and bond with each other,” said Masiza.
Gugu Khuluse; Disability Officer under the DUT Student Governance and Development unit encouraged first year students living with disabilities to take responsibility and disclose their disabilities so that they can get the help that they need. She also emphasised that they need to learn to self-advocate themselves, know and understand their disabilities.
“As the DRU we are making sure that all students feel included in the university, and students living with disabilities receive all the support that they need. Furthermore, we always make sure that we go an extra mile for students living with disabilities, to make them feel welcomed at DUT,” said Khuluse.
She further encouraged students living with disabilities to become their own voice and to actively make use of all the services available to them.
Different speakers at the orientation emphasised the importance of students speaking up when they are faced with challenges, so that their issues can be addressed effectively. Additionally, the event provided a platform for students to connect with each other for the first time on campus. This gave them an opportunity to exchange contacts and form groups where they can share their sentiments about living with disabilities.
Thulile Duma, Executive Secretary to the Dean of Students, encouraged students to be active while on campus.
“Do not limit yourself, DUT is for everyone. We have several projects and programmes that are geared towards everyone. While you are here to study, we kindly urge students living with disabilities to take advantage and engage in all activities offered to them,” said Duma
Anita Masinyane, a Psychologist from Student Counselling introduced students to their unit and its services.
“We provide psychotherapeutic support, therapy, counselling, and any additional support that you might need. We have a psychologist as part of our office, and we have a career resource centre office that assists with preparing you for the workspace. Our office will assist you with drafting a curriculum vitae (CV)and we will also help you prepare for your interview and any other additional information that you might need. We provide support for personal issues that you might have, career-related issues, as well as academics,” she said.
All students were encouraged to actively make use of all the services available to them during the orientation. The students received valuable information on the extensive support that National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) offers to students living with disabilities. They were also informed about the various support departments located on campus, which will assist them with their transition to university.
“I value everyone who came today, first and foremost our students with disabilities, the DUT units that honoured my request and this programme and participated this means a lot to me,” said Khuluse in her concluding remarks.
Pictured: The 2023 First-Year students living with disabilities along with Gugu Khuluse, DUT Disability Officer.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile
Lethukuthula Sifiso Ngubane / Nomvelo Zulu/Nondumiso Maphumulo.
