SOFTCOPY MAGAZINE

Veteran broadcaster, Xolani Gwala.    DUT Journalism programme hosted a joint memorial service to honour the lives of three of its alumni Ben Said, Xolani Gwala and Zamani Mbatha who died in separate incidences this year. Held at DUT City Campus, the memorial service was attended by journalism staff members, current students, and former students. Said, who was eNCA's director of news died while on holiday in Mozambique in August and Gwala died after succumbing to a lengthy battle with cancer at the beginning of November. Mbatha who had recently graduated from DUT Journalism died after a motorbike accident. He was described as a very dedicated and driven person who had a rare ability of managing a lot of his priorities very well. DUT Senior director of cooperate affairs division Alan Khan, shared memories of former classmate and close friend Ben Said saying, “After almost 3 decades since we graduated from this institution, I never thought I would be here, m...

Khanyiso Mbalane and Mamello Hlongwene with Sandile Magoso from Gela Productions.  DUT Video Technology duo become first and second place at this year’s Interpret Durban Competition hosted at the Durban Art Gallery on the 21st of September 2019. Gauteng born Khanyiso Mbalane (23) and Mamello Hlongwane (24) became first and second place in the Short Film category respectively, under the theme “IDENTITY- the common thread. An identity shapes us as a city and those who inhabit it”. Using storytelling and moving images participants had to express their own interpretation of the City of Durban in no more than 90 seconds. The duo received Winner Certificates and personal prizes as R2500 worth of cash and broadcast lighting vouchers, Spiga (restaurant outlet) voucher and a bottle of gin individually. First placed Mbalane said “I felt I had to interpret the City from an introspective perspective hence I titled it Introspection.”Although after admitting that his perspectiv...

Photography lovers admire the ‘Kabusha’ at the Technical Centre.   The Durban University of Technology Photography BTech class of 2019 hosted their year-end exhibition titled, ‘Kabusha’ at the Technical Centre last Friday, 24 October 2019. The students displayed a series of photographs to an audience that included their parents, friends, and other relevant stakeholders that are in partnership with DUT photography. Siya Meyiwa, one of the class representatives praised DUT Photography’s Coordinator Angela Buckland for a ‘significant’ role in their success as a class. “This class is fortunate for having Angela as our educator, she greatly contributed to equipping us with the knowledge and skills that will go a long way into our careers and production of our work moving forward,” He said. Buckland officially opened the exhibition by congratulating her students and celebrating their work. She said this was evidence of the journey they all travelled together. She also...

Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu at the SAERA conference.  Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Thandwa Mthembu urges research educators to do more in elevating student progress into the working world, at this year’s edition of the South African Educators Research Association (SAERA) conference gala dinner, at the Elangeni Hotel on 24 October 2019. The three-day conference (23-25 October 2019) hosted by DUT’s School of Education in association with SAERA was themed: Beyond Boundaries: Exploring possibilities through research and innovation. The event was well-attended by University delegates which included researchers and educators, looking at alternative ways of promoting research and academic partnership, theory and practice, as well as bettering the state of research quality and accommodate the next generation of researchers. Prof Mthembu in his opening remarks, urged fellow research colleagues and...

Theatre in Education class of 2019 in Drakensburg.   The Drama and Production Studies Theatre in Education class of 2019 visited the Drakensburg for three days as part of the National Research Foundation project titled, The Unfoldment of Ubuntu through indigenous values based education. Project leader Dr Sury Rajah, Drama lecturers Lee-Ann Naicker and Dr Pamela Tancsik along with 27 students and tour guide Zweli Hlongwane travelled to Drakensburg to host a series of plays that reinforce the values and principles of Ubuntu. The students performed five plays to an estimated 257 primary school children. Dr Tancsik explained: “My students were inspired by Mr Hlongwane and his knowledge of medicinal plants, ancient history of San and Koisan people in the Drakensburg where most of my students had not been to during a talk I had hosted for my students in April, I then decided on storytelling based on Ubuntu and its related values such as respect, collaboration, sharin...

DUT staff and students with Associate Professor Mpume Zondi during the gender-based violence lecture.  The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Faculty of Arts and Design hosted a lecture on the obscurity of the nature of gender-based violence (GBV), with Associate Professor and Head of Languages at the University of Pretoria, Prof Mpume Zondi, on Friday, 04 October 2019, at the Hotel School Conference Centre, Ritson Campus.  In her opening statement, Prof Zondi spoke on gender-based violence and the ways in which it manifests itself. She said it’s profound and is a widespread problem affecting almost every aspect of life such as home environments, wider society, work and study spaces. She shared an overview of a book titled: Unbecoming to Become, this book is written by local author and actress Ayanda Borotho. In her book she talks about being in a toxic relationship that was forcing her to dim her own light for a man. “It is time for us to change the narrat...

Dheshnie Naidoo.  The Durban University Technology’s (DUT) Video Technology alumni, actress and television presenter, Dheshnie Naidoo was recently appointed as the first woman ever, to be the Head of Production Operations at SuperSport. Having started off as an Intern at Mnet in 1997, Naidoo has been progressively climbing up the ladder in the Television broadcasting Industry, flying the DUT flag very high. After her recent appointment, Naidoo expressed her excessive excitement for breaking the stereotype of males dominating the industry. “I am very excited to make the stereotype change because for a long time the industry has been dominated by males and now the playing fields have been levelled,” she said. Naidoo has held several titles over the years, including Senior Manager Production Services, events manager, operations manager and senior manager in the Outside Broadcast department and studios, where she gained extensive knowledge and exposure into the wor...

Dr Chris De Beer with FoAD's Information and Communications Officer.  NASIPHI GIGABA  The Head of Department (HOD) of Fine Arts and Jewellery Design, Chris de Beer recently completed his Doctoral Degree (PhD) in self-reflective study. Titled: “An autoethnographic exploration of Creative Design Practice: Towards Pedagogic implications”, his thesis presented an ethnographic exploration of his Identity as a creative artist, a designer and a university educator. “Being in the creative field and trying to cultivate the creativity within my students is what inspired my study. I examined my own creative practice by doing autoethnographic self-interviews of my contributions to exhibitions, and then examined the pedagogical implications inherited in these explorations,” said De Beer. De Beer’s thesis  offers a visually exemplar for artists and educators interested in exploring pedagogic implications of an enhanced awareness of self in creative practice, he also st...

NASIPHI GIGABA  (L-R) Ronicka Sirputh, Senele Hlumayo, Sue Barrett and Dr Rene Smith.  The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD) staff were recently recognised and appreciated at this year’s Annual “Research & Staff Recognition Awards” hosted at the Ritson Hotel School. Opening the award ceremony and welcoming the staff was the Executive Dean of the FoAD, Dr René Smith, who emphasized the importance of hosting the awards and recognising the staff for all their determination. This year’s award ceremony marks the 4th Staff Recognition Awards and the 5th Staff Research Awards since 2014. As part of this year’s Implementation, all nominees in their various categories were appreciated with an award for their contribution towards the faculty and towards research. “We introduced the awards very interested more about the work that takes place in the faculty and over the years we decided that let us award everyone who contribu...

Graphic Design student, Hannah Smith.  NASIPHI GIGABA  Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Graphic Design students were recognized and appreciated recently at this years’ annual year-end exhibition and Student Recognition Awards ceremony hosted at the City Campus, Author Smith hall. The auditorium was packed to capacity, as parents, friends and Lectures of both third year and Bachelor of Technology (Btech) students gathered together to witness the handing over of awards, where students were being awarded for their performance throughout the year; the award ceremony was then followed by an exhibition where the students showcased their portfolio’s. Chief Commercial Officer of the Embury Institute for Higher Education and best-selling author of the crime thriller, 31 Million Reasons, Dr Naresh Veeran who was the guest speaker of the day, shared some of his experiences in the industry and encouraged the students to develop and be driven by passion in order to...

Formber DUT Journalism students.  NASIPHI GIGABA  The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Journalism department in collaboration with the Office for Advancement and Alumni Relations hosted the very first “Journalism Alumni Reunion” at the City Campus, Author Smith Hall. Journalism alumni, members of the Advisory Board, industry leaders and staff filled the auditorium to capacity yesterday, 14 November as alumni from ML Sultan Technikon, Technikon Natal, DIT and DUT were reunited for the very first time. The event hosted as a means of celebrating the achievements of DUT alumni who are making impact across the globe in the journalism industry and to also inaugurate and reconnect alumni to the institution. Keynote speaker, Dr Welcome Nzimande who is a renowned radio and TV legend encouraged the alumni to be the gear for change in their respective organisations in order to bring about the necessary improvement. “Innovation is the thing that comes ...

Ayanda Buthelezi (centre) with her mother, Dita Buthelezi and friend. NASIPHI GIGABA  The Faculty of Arts and Design’s (FoAD) year-end exhibition season kicked off on a high note with programmes showcasing exquisite students’ work. The Photography Programme recently hosted its Bachelor of Technology (BTech) year-end portfolio exhibition at the DUT Art Gallery. Eight students from the programme Zamantungwa Gumede, Ayanda Buthelezi, S’jabulisile Meyiwa, Lucky Mthiyela, Kerilyn Arumugum, Sfundo Hlangu,Sithabile Mdunge and Nolwazi Gumede showcased their best five picture’s from their portfolios.       After selecting an area of interest and submitting photographs to be assessed throughout the course of the year, the students were also required to submit a forty-page mini thesis to support their images. Once of the students, Lucky Matiyela whose work focused on his African roots said: “After doing a lot of westernised work, I decide to go back to...

 Interior Design third year student, Thabiswa Nkonyeni who was named Top Student for 2018. NASIPHI GIGABA  Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Interior Design students’ year culminated in style as their hard work was rewarded during the programme’s year-end portfolio exhibition which coincided with recognition awards where excelling students were awarded for their hard work. The exhibition which was held at City Campus yesterday, featured works by third year and BTech students who were beaming with joy as attendees marvelled at their offering. Interior Design’s Programme Coordinator and Lecturer, Susan Barrett said the programme is pleased with the end results of the students work, considering the challenges they faced throughout the year. “We are glad the year is over and that it was a fairly successful one despite the interruptions due to protests at the beginning of the year. Overall though, we were very pleased with the end result,” she said. Barre...

Chris De Beer addressing attendees at the exhibition opening.  NASIPHI GIGABA The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Fine Art and Jewellery Design  department hosted a third year and Bachelor of Technology (Btech) annual year-end exhibition yesterday,  06 November at the KZNSA art Gallery  in Glenwood. As required by each department as part of the students’ practical component, the students showcased their best designs from their portfolio’s which is a representation of the diversity of conceptual and ethical explorations from the work produced throughout the year. Fine Art Lecturer and Coordinator, David Tshabalala said that he was extremely proud of the students and hopes to see them coming back to further their education. “This year marks one of the top points throughout the years from Extended to where our students are now, there’s been so much that has been invested and I would really like to see them succeed in their careers and would also ...

NASIPHI GIGABA Another set of seven third year Fine Art students showcased their astonishing work at the Durban University of Technology’s Art Gallery recently. Titled, Siyabonga Njalo the exhibition was planned and curated by Shamil Balram, Deon Brown, Andile Hlengwa, Baphile Khuzwayo, Menzi Ngobese, Bhekinkosi Nkwanyana and Sinenhlanhla Ngcobo. The exhibition dealt with issues such as identity, culture, sensitivity, decolonial aesthesis and various socio-political challenges. The Fine Art programme requires students to be able to analyse and showcase their work in a “professional” exhibition format to be examined and critiqued by faculty approved examiners. Shamil Balram explained that even though they have each focused on documenting different social issues and subject matters, all of them remain connected to one another through broader themes in some way. Balram stated that the exhibition was a collective consideration of the way that they, as artists perceive...

NASIPHI GIGABA The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Journalism department together with the Office for Advancement and Alumni Relations will be joining forces to host a Journalism alumni event which will be taking place on Wednesday, 14 November at the City Campus, Author Smith Hall. Hosting for the very first time, the function aims to celebrate the wonderful achievements of the Journalism alumni, where alumni from ML Sultan Technikon, Technikon Natal, DIT and DUT are being brought together from years and decades gone by. Journalism lecturer , Advocate Robin Sewlal Emphasized the need to host this function seeing the impact being made by alumni in the industry. “Our alumni are excelling across the media spectrum and beyond not only in the country but also globally; it made sense to host it now flowing from discussions with various stakeholders as well as conversations with our alumni,” he explained. Apart from the illustrious alumni, members of the Advisory ...

The cast of The Little Prince  As part of the 75th anniversary of The Little Prince , the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Faculty of Arts and Design’s (FoAD) Drama Department recently hosted a three-day stage production based on the classic book at the Courtyard Theatre. The play is an adaptation of French aristocrat Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic French fable, The Little Prince which was first published in 1943. With the support of the Alliance Française de Durban, the play was staged and recreated by the Market Theatre Foundation’s brand-new theatre company, Kwasha!, and directed by Clara Vaughan and Mwenya Kabwe. The unique, multiple language South African inspired production of the French masterpiece brought to life the philosophical tale about a Little Prince who, through an initiatory journey around the galaxy, discovers adulthood and several concepts such as Love, Friendship, Happiness and Loneliness. Drama Studies Head of Department, Prof...

NASIPHI GIGABA Seven third-year Fine arts students held a group exhibition at the Durban University of Technology’s Art Gallery recently. Titled, Know Thyself, the exhibition formed part of the students’ assessment for the Communication Studies subject where they are tasked with organising and curating their own exhibition.   Students showcased work ranging from paintings, photographs to sculptures- all which spoke to the theme of self-identity. Explaining the purpose of the exhibition, one of the students, Taryn van Wyk said: “As artists we put together the exhibition called “Know Thyself” collectively to encourage self-reflection as a catalyst for the exploration of issues that question culture, identity, gender, religion and feminist objection,” said group member.” Even though Van Wyk and her colleagues, Mfundo Mhlongo, Mfezeko Gumada, Halalisani Mpunzana, Londiwe Mtshali, Star Govern and Silindile Dlamini come from different backgrounds, they combined their differen...

Callen Miller after being announced as the winner at the 19th annual PlatAfrica 2018 Jewellery Design Bachelor of Technology (Btech) student, Callen Miller scooped first prize of the 19th annual PlatAfrica 2018 jewellery design and manufacturing competition which recently hosted on Wednesday, 24 October at the Theatre on the Track in Kyalami. Miller took first place in the student/apprentice category with her Neckpiece & ring titled, “Able to be”. “I’m happy to say that I did win the completion and I am still reeling with excitement. I am extremely proud of myself and I am so grateful for the opportunity from DUT to enter such a wonderful competition; I’m also so grateful to my wonderful lecturers that helped and supported me through the process,” she ecstatically stated. PlatAfrica has been hosting for the past two decades and has had a wide range of captivating themes with this year’s 19th event held under the theme “Blessings of Love”. The theme celebra...

Some of the participants in the Emerging Researchers Workshop. The Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD) recently hosted an Emerging Researchers Workshop, which was aimed at informing postgraduate students about opportunities available for them in the world of academic research. Titled, “Eyethu: Emerging Researcher Day” the workshop was held at DUT’s City Campus, and was organised by FoAD’s Research Office. It focused on exploring funding opportunities and mentorship support offered to DUT’s postgraduates which enables them to continue advancing their studies. The day also served as a drive for increasing the number of South African students enrolled for the PhD and Masters programmes. Postgraduate students were also treated to an informative session on funding opportunities offered by DUT and other funding organisations. The National Research Foundation’s (NRF) Itumeleng Tshabalala and Samukelisiwe Gambu from the Grants Management Division both spoke about how students can...