DUTConnect Summer 2021 Issue

DUT - RANKED IN THE TOP 5 OF ALL SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES

Dear Alumni and Friends, It is with a renewed sense of hope and optimism that I write to you as we present our Summer edition of DUT Connect. Last year was certainly a challenging year but was not without its moments of joy and success. DUT was ranked among the top 5 universities in the country by the Times Higher Education World Rankings in 2020. This is a great feat since we are now the highest ranked university of technology in the country and even have surpassed a number of prestigious traditional universities with a high pedigree in the areas of research and teaching and learning.

This is testament to the hard work that has been done by colleagues in the University with a focus on excellence and quality over the past number of years to incrementally improve our standards. Hence, this edition is a celebration of excellence and hope.

In this edition, we feature a number of our alumni who have been trailblazers in their fields and have flown the DUT flag high. They thus serve as ambassadors of what we represent, especially as we consider our new strategy, ENVISION 2030.

As indicated in our statement of intent, we envision that by 2030, our people (including students, staff and stakeholders) will be creative, innovative, entrepreneurial and adaptive to changes in the world. Our people will participate productively in the development of our region, country and the world and our state-of-the-art infrastructure and systems will enhance an ecosystem created to achieve this vision. We believe that by living our values and principles within a culture of shared responsibility and accountability and in embracing creativity, we will build an enabling environment that supports dynamic curricula that inspire innovation and entrepreneurship. This will result in the delivery of a distinctively DUT experience within an environmentally responsible and financially sustainable framework. This leads to mutually beneficial collaborations, the practical application of knowledge and future-ready graduates and thus contributes to improving lives and livelihoods (please see the centrefold for our strategy map).

It is well understood that excellence requires a dogged determination and focus on one’s goals and aspirations. It is always inspiring to witness the achievements of those who have overcome great adversity on their path to greatness, which reinforce the idea that we too can make it. We wish to encourage and instil a sense of hope in all who may be

feeling demoralised after the challenging year we have had.

We trust that you will be able to dig deep and draw strength from within yourself to overcome whatever difficulties and challenges that confront you. We believe that the alumni we have featured in this edition will serve as inspiration and a source of hope that all is not lost.

To our recent graduates and new alumni who graduated virtually on 30 November 2020, we wish to congratulate you on your achievement and taking one big step closer to realising your dreams. We understand that you were looking forward to walking across the stage and physically experiencing the joy of thunderous applause as your name is called out. Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still a reality. We must still observe protocols and ensure that we avoid a further increase in infections.

We would also like to express our deepest appreciation to our donors listed below. Your generosity makes it possible for academically-deserving but financially-constrained students to realise their dreams of obtaining their qualifications and increasing their chances of improving their and their families’ lives. In addition, many good programmes that enrich the academic experiences of our students would also grind to a halt without your support. Therefore, know that you play a significant role in ensuring that we continue to offer an excellent education.

I also wish to take this moment to appeal to those who may not yet be donors to consider supporting any of the worthy causes and programmes we support such as the Bursary Fund, the PhakiMpilo Food Programme, the School Engagement Project and many others. Please visit our website on this link: www.dutalumni.com and click on projects to learn more about the project you may wish to support and then click on the ‘donate’ link. Alternatively, you may call our offices directly on (031) 373 2479 or email our Fundraising and Stewardship Officer Ms Pretty Zulu on prettyz@dut.ac.za.

We hope that you will continue to observe all protocols and safety measures to ensure that you protect yourselves and others from the spread of the coronavirus.

Be safe, be well and stay blessed.

Zwakele Ngubane Director: Advancement and Alumni Relations

DONORS ABSA Adams Booksellers (Pty) Ltd Afrox Dell Computer DUT Alumni DUT Council DUT Staff Feenix Foundation Glenwood Super Spar

IQRAA Trust South Africa Lloyd's Register Emea.

Metropolitan Health Corporate Momentum Health Solutions National Arts Council NMI Durban South Motors (Pty) Ltd Prokon Software Consultants Rand York Coretrays (Pty) Ltd Ruwacon Pty Ltd

SA Home Loans SARS The Albert Wessels Trust The Bai Jerbai Rustomjee Trust The Bradlow Foundation The Engineering Educational Trust The Parsee Rustomjee-RK KhanEJ Rustomjee-Solly Ginwala Families Charitable Trust

contents Message from the Vice-Chancellor

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ENVISION 2030 will place DUT at the Cutting Edge of Higher Education – Khaye Nkwanyana

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DUT is Ranked as One of the Top Five Universities in South Africa – Waheeda Peters 8

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DUT and Ithala Sign an MOU to Uplift the Local Economy 10 – Simangele Zuma Glenwood Superspar Supports DUT to Ensure that no Student Goes Hungry

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Reporting without Fear or Favour – Shahan Ramkissoon

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Breaking TV News with Passion – Nabeelah Shaikh

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ENVISION 2030 – Statement of Intent

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Burning up the Airwaves – J Sbu

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Launching a Clothing Range through Pick 'n Pay Clothing – Katekani Moreku

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Designing Cutting-edge Jewellery – Nihal Shah

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Pioneering Non-invasive Medical Testing and Treatment in SA – Rakesh Mohanlall

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Working at the Cutting Edge of TB and HIV Clinical Research – Vinodh Edward

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Overcoming Adversity with Gutsy Determination – Yeshveer Manawar

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Exemplifying Woman Power in Chemical Engineering – Kiara Govender

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DUT Alumni Mentorship Programme Launched

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Publisher: Editorial Leader: Editorial, DUT: Administration Support: Contributors: Editorial, Artworks: Layout and Design:

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Durban University of Technology Zwakele Ngubane Ronelle Lyson, Nishie Govender Pretty Zulu, DUT Advancement and Alumni Relations Department Khaye Nkwanyana, Simangele Zuma, Waheeda Peters and Zipho Chamane Gaylene Jablonkay Artworks | www.artworks.co.za

Disclaimer: This magazine is published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure that the information was true and correct at the time of going to print.

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MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR

Celebrating Excellence Warm greetings and good wishes to all our alumni, partners, friends and the DUT community at large.

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UT Connect is a special platform we use to communicate directly with this important stakeholder in our University: our alumni. It is my hope that our messages are well received and that we will encourage others to read the editions so that alumni remain informed about the latest developments at their alma mater. We hope, via Convex and representation on Council, that ideas and innovations will flow.

Let me hasten to congratulate our alumni for staging a successful online elective conference for the first time in the history of DUT. Your conference sat soon after we hosted the first online SRC elections, which saw voter participation jumping from the historically low numbers of under 20% to about 39% of our student population.

These two events prove that digitalisation is the future of business operations at DUT, in line with one of ENVISION 2030’s Strategic Objectives, namely the Digital Environment. Inevitably, digital platforms will always be accompanied by glitches but with the right people occupying their rightful seats and being committed to efficiency and excellence, we will continuously overcome these challenges.

I wish to thank everyone who decided to participate in Convocation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). On behalf of management, I congratulate the collective elected leadership. We look forward to your help in steering the DUT rocket into a coveted place of greatness.

Ultimately, it’s not so much individual stakeholders whose interests have to be advanced but the interests of DUT as a whole. Welcome on board the DUT rocket!

Some of you may have been students during the period in which DUT was arguably perceived as the protest capital of South African universities. With your individual and collective contributions, let it be said that when the name DUT is mentioned in future, it will be about its greatness and not its retrogressive aspects.

Evidence abounds that DUT is cementing its

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FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

place in the galaxy of star universities across the world that lead others to make an impact in their broader societies. This will not only bring more currency to the qualifications our alumni hold, but will embed DUT firmly as an anchor university in the society it serves.

I had the opportunity to interact with the immediate past leadership of our alumni in which our Planning Office presented our new Strategy, ENVISION 2030. Further, I presented this Strategy at the AGM, which I then used as the basis to provide some highlights of major strategic achievements and challenges. In line with our values and principles, for instance, transparency and fairness, let me suggest the urgent issues that the new leadership need to tackle: •

Ignite a discussion on the notion of alumni/ convocation to ensure that there is a more coherent and progressive theoretical understanding. Our alumni’s relations with the University will, inevitably, flow from this understanding

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Remind everyone that alumni membership and involvement are voluntary. I take it that the members don’t legally owe anything to the University and neither does the University legally owe any of our alumni

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Look at ENVISION 2030’s perspectives (e.g.

Sustainability) and suggest practical ways in which they can help the University to advance some or all of its strategic objectives, for example: Innovative Curricula and Research; Financial Sustainability; State-of-the-art Infrastructure; Adaptive Graduates, which rely on your industry experience and networks established in that space. DUT’s ‘state-of-the-art’ infrastructure projects, in particular, must not be seen as a cash-cow for the benefit of alumni; they are for generations to come

We are looking forward to innovative ideas from the new leadership on how DUT could, as part of The DUT Way, become a governance lodestar for the sector.

Indeed, there are many other areas that we can collectively identify for cooperation, inspired by our joint commitment to preserving the future of this great university, thus we are looking forward to professional engagements.

In the previous edition of DUT Connect, we had just come to terms with the reality of confronting the scourge of COVID-19. The phenomenon has challenged and compelled us to dig deep and find creative and innovative ways to ensure that we continue the business of DUT. We had to think on our feet as management to find solutions to a range of problems presented by the pandemic and the attendant restrictions to ensure that we did not lose the academic year.

A number of less optimistic public figures in the education space concluded that as a sector, we should accept the loss of the academic year and simply start planning for 2021. But, of course, we were not deterred and I believe as a country, we demonstrated great courage, humanity and resilience and hence the infection rates began to decrease over time. We began to implement online teaching and learning via Moodle and Microsoft Teams as our primary platforms. Incrementally, as protocols permitted, we began allowing certain groups of students to return to campus, especially those requiring a physical presence in the laboratories, practical sessions and work integrated learning (WIL) in order to make academic progress.

The non-academic sector within the University was also able to return to almost full capacity in terms of

Create a conducive environment for older, more resourceful and better networked alumni to participate meaningfully. Universities like Wits and UCT derive great benefits in monetary terms and in kind from such alumni. Convocation is not exclusively for the most recent graduates and former SRC members to continue where they left off, but to make such substantial contributions to the University

productivity as remote working provisions were made

Ultimately, the Higher Education Act accords an important governance, not extractive, role to alumni/Convocation.

contribute to Improving the Lives and the Livelihoods of our

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through the use of technology. I wish to commend our colleagues for demonstrating creativity and fortitude in ensuring that we continued to function and for making the necessary adaptations to respond to this unforeseen and disruptive force.

The pandemic struck shortly after we launched our ENVISION 2030 Strategy in which we strive to ultimately people, both internally and externally. We have various

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intensive nor meant to advance knowledge but only to apply it.

Evidence abounds that DUT is cementing its place in the galaxy of star universities across the world that lead others to make an impact in their broader societies.

This will not only bring more currency to the qualifications our alumni hold, but will embed DUT firmly as an anchor university in the society it serves.

documents online and video clips that expatiate on all the perspectives, strategic objectives and the like. There is also a visual representation of ENVISION 2030 in the middle of the magazine. We believe that with this Strategy, we will indeed take DUT to greater heights as we consistently strive for the embedding of our values and principles, such as excellence.

In keeping with this edition’s theme of celebrating excellence, it brings me great joy, and I am sure the entire DUT community, to inform you that DUT has been ranked by the Times Higher Education World Rankings as a top 5 university in South Africa and in Africa as a whole, and among the top 500 universities globally.This is no mean feat, especially for a relatively young University of Technology that was never designed to be research-

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I also wish to congratulate all those graduates who participated in our ‘delayed Spring’ graduation season, which was held virtually on 30 November 2020. This was the second virtual graduation for DUT after a successful graduation ceremony was held on 10 June 2020.

These are still unusual times. I fully understand that the joy of walking across the stage to receive your qualification with your family cheering you on is what you have been looking forward to. However, the implications are such that we cannot congregate physically for such celebrations as we must still exercise caution and ensure that we do our best to avoid more infections.

We are grateful, though, that technology afforded us the opportunity to still hold the ceremony, albeit virtually. I am confident that armed with the education you have received from DUT, you will go on to not only improve your individual lives, but those of your communities too as part of ENVISION 2030.

In our first edition of 2020, we also appealed to you to support the DUT COVID-19 Solidarity Fund that was established to support those in our DUT community who had been adversely affected by the pandemic. We would, therefore, like to express our appreciation and gratitude to all those who contributed. To date, we have managed to raise a total of over R740 000 to assist mainly students with devices, data and meal vouchers. Somewhat concerning, though, is that this amount was raised mainly from our Management Team and only a few alumni.

We would also like to express our appreciation to all our donors who consistently continue to support our various initiatives and projects that seek to enhance our offering and overall educational experience for our students.

As we ease into 2021, let us hope that this year will be a brighter and a more prosperous one for all.

Stay safe. Best wishes.

WAYS TO GIVE You can partner with us in building a more relevant, responsive and resilient DUT through various means, including sponsorships, annual gifts, bequests and debit orders.

ONLINE Make a donation http://dut.devman.co.za/devman/web/giving/ Fill out an online pledge form: http://www.dutalumni.com/copy-of-bursary-fund-1

ZAPPER Download the ZAPPER app and scan this code.

IN-KIND DONATION Donations in kind include new equipment, assets such as property or vehicles, shares in a listed company or stock from your own business. Things you trade or manufacture also qualify for a SARS tax deduction in value of the donations in kind. You can also claim a tax deduction for the value of donations in kind that you make to DUT as the Institution is a Section 18A approved organisation.

ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFER/ BANK DEPOSIT Account holder: Durban University of Technology Account number: 05 023 9007 Institute/Name of bank: Standard Bank Branch code: 04 0026 (Kingsmead) SWIFT code: SBZAZA JJ Zip code and city: Durban 4001 Country: South Africa Deposit reference: Insert name of DUT initiative or department you wish to support or reference ‘unrestricted’ for DUT discretion.

NB: Please email proof of donation to ziphoc@dut.ac.za or prettyz@dut.ac.za, or for enquiries, call 031 373 2479.

BEQUESTS AND ESTATE PLAN GIFTS A bequest is a gift from your estate, a transfer of cash, securities or other property made through your estate plans. You can make a bequest to DUT by leaving a portion of your estate to the University in your will or living trust, or by designating DUT as a beneficiary of your retirement account or life insurance policy.

DEBIT ORDER Download the pledge forms here: https://www.dutalumni.com/copy-of-bursary-fund-1

BENEFITS OF GIVING • Enjoy tax benefits – gifts and grants are tax deductible in South Africa • Receive a South African Revenue Services (SARS) Section 18A Tax Certificate • Earn B-BBEE Scorecard points • Expand market awareness among DUT students, alumni and academics • Enhance your corporate social citizenship

• Synchronise your research and development with our current research programmes • Meet business and corporate social investment (CSI) objectives • Recruit talented professionals • Improve your HR initiatives such as employee assistance and volunteer programmes • Invest in the social engagement of the University

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ENVISION 2030 will place DUT at the cutting edge of higher education The announcement in September 2020 by the World University Rankings that the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is now one of the top five universities in South Africa and ranks among the best on the continent is truly exciting for people of KwaZulu-Natal.

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his felicity is an important one in terms of the role that a university must play as a catalyst of skills revolution, economic development, research output and societal development in general, because institutions should remain the lodestars for our future.

It would be shortsighted to attribute this improvement to Professor Thandwa Mthembu as a sitting ViceChancellor alone, because he came into an already stable environment from his predecessor, Professor Ahmed Bawa. However, it is important to note his particular leadership style, accompanied by a trajectory of far-reaching vision, since his arrival.

He instituted turnaround interventions, tempered with long-established business processes and broke free from old and lacklustre work processes despite initial resistance in some quarters. He is a shrewd Vice-Chancellor in the mould of a Chief Executive Officer in a big corporate company, with a line of sight in all aspects of the business. It also helps that he is a typical self-effacing rector while getting the job done; sometimes modesty can be a necessary boon in a demanding environment.

The major disruptions that Professor Mthembu has made since his arrival include ensuring quality in cutting-edge research by attracting various Chairs to enable researchers to continue punching above their weight. It is not surprising that DUT received so many citations. His biggest delivery is the ENVISION 2030, which was widely consulted. This vision re-imagines the University by 2030 and the milestones to be achieved in the immediate, medium and long term. Of course, it is not going to be a walk in the park to navigate that intractable minefield towards the end goal. All of these interventions account for a great deal in the seismic rise of the Institution.

Universities across the world are now, all of a sudden, confronted by the new post-COVID-19 impositions to the system. The post-COVID-19 environment is going to serve as a catalyst to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) impulses that were already invading the higher Khaye Nkwanyana is the former Spokesperson for the Ministry of Higher Education and Training. He works for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Competition. He is a graduate of the former ML Sultan Technikon, now DUT, and served as a member of the Executive Committee of Convocation.

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education landscape, disrupting the old modus operandi before COVID-19.

The new normal means quick adaptability and making the best out of the new. Organisational changes will require higher learning institutions (HEIs) to break free from old bureaucracy in their response to change.

The advent of undergraduate and postgraduate virtual lectures, for instance, in some categories is by no means a choice anymore. To embrace it comes with its own implications, ranging from financial to change management reorientation. In this context, as all HEIs across the world are agonising about, is the ability of the University to transition faster.

Another related issue is with regard to the much-vaunted new programmes that are occasioned by the advent of the new economies within the context of the 4IR, the post-COVID-19 economy and the entrenchment of a just-transition outlook of the future economy.

This new economic universe is unfortunately rendering obsolete some of the known professions and, consequently, the corresponding programmes offered by universities. A lot of market research is needed to ensure that young people are channelled into these new niche areas of training and that institutions find qualified academics in those areas who will not perform lip service in teaching them.

This transitional environment can be a golden age for those institutions so aptly prepared and agile as to be the earliest birds to catch the fattest worm. But equally, this environment and its fluidity can become fatal in the pursuit of achieving premier university status. In this context, programme reviews and the introduction of new skills that industries and modern economy need is a sine qua non.

I have no qualms about the capabilities of my alma mater in terms of seizing the moment and galloping forth like all the best institutions in the country and the world to turn this era into its golden age.

The HEIs that will emerge are those that will swiftly react to and embrace this new mutational reality without attempting to halt it. Slowness and an old, conservative academic ‘red tape’ approach towards change will result in them being pushed to the end of the queue as time is not on their side.

The Human Resources Council (HRC), chaired by the Deputy President and managed by the Higher Education and Training Minister, has done a lot of work around skill pipelines in terms of their market supply and demand, and those course offerings that HEIs must increase their throughput in order to satisfy the market demands.

However, there is a need for new market research that

I have no qualms about the capabilities of my alma mater in terms of seizing the moment and galloping forth like all the best institutions in the country and the world to turn this era into its golden age. The community of DUT will have to look at the bigger picture, unite, support the vision and pull in the same direction from all constituent bodies – from the academic side to supporting staff and unions. ENVISION 2030 must be a point of entry and

will consider today’s new skillset demands to which HEIs must respond.

departure to the entire community of the University and be internalised, even by student bodies.

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DUT IS RANKED AS ONE OF THE TOP FIVE UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH AFRICA

BY WAHEEDA PETERS

Having creative, innovative, entrepreneurial and adaptive graduates who can help change the world is one of the key strategic intents of the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) vision for the next 10 years.

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chieving such a goal works hand in hand with the Institution having an excellent academic ranking, which was showcased

by The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021 and makes DUT one of the top five South African universities and among the finest in the world.

The global performance ranking judged researchorientated universities of more than 1 500 universities

DUT - RANKED IN THE TOP 5 OF ALL SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES

DUT ranking logo edited by THEWUR.

across 93 countries and regions. This ranking analysed more than 80 million citations across over 13 million research publications and included survey responses from 22 000 scholars globally.

Trusted worldwide by students, teachers, governments and industry experts, this list also provides great insight into the shifting balance of power in global higher education.

The ratings are calculated by the standardised performance indicators that measure an institution’s performance across five areas: teaching, research, knowledge transfer, citations and international outlook.

DUT comprises five campuses in Durban and two campuses in Pietermaritzburg, with an annual student complement of more than 30 000.

DUT’s drive is to become an entrepreneurial university, and it has also adopted programmes, infrastructure, social

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FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

interactions and technologies that consistently meet the needs of its students and shape their teaching and learning to help improve the quality of their lives and the people within their communities.

DUT allows for collaboration and research on a global scale to ensure that students and academic staff alike are given numerous opportunities.

and Engagement Professor Sibusiso Moyo explained that it is important to see the rankings within their context as they help to showcase areas of excellence and in this case, the quality of the research (citations) has seen the University ranked 10th globally.

“The value add of our researchers, postgraduate students, support staff and strategic partners in South Africa and

Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Thandwa Mthembu said: “My predecessors did a lot of work to build the right foundation by encouraging a number of people to ensure that although we were a technical university where academic staff were not required to have doctoral degrees, from around 2010/2014, more and more staff would earn PhDs.”

internationally is much appreciated. We have to keep on

Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning at DUT, shared that it was an honour and a great achievement for DUT to be listed in the annual rankings of the world’s top universities.

Alan Khan, Senior Director: Corporate Affairs, said: “We are extremely proud of our colleagues and students who worked so diligently and consistently to get us into the top five of all South African universities. DUT is also the number one University of Technology in the country.

“DUT continues to be the top research-intense university of technology in South Africa. Let us continue to keep the University’s flag flying high by jetting to our final destination, which is ENVISION 2030,” she said.

Conveying her excitement about DUT’s accomplishment, DUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation

challenging ourselves despite the effects of the global pandemic COVID-19, to do better, and remain relevant to our local and regional agendas.

“It is good to now know that we are part of the top 500 global universities and top five South African universities.

Congratulations,” said Professor Moyo.

“With our focus on implementing ENVISION 2030 and our DNA of being people-centred and engaged, innovative and entrepreneurial, we have a solid foundation to make this a decade of taking DUT to even greater levels of performance,” said Khan.

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DUT AND ITHALA SIGN AN MOU TO UPLIFT THE LOCAL ECONOMY

BY Simangele Zuma

DUT, in collaboration with Ithala Development Finance Corporation (IDFC), hosted a virtual signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in September to seal their agreement to support local economic recovery.

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his prestigious ceremony, which was attended by over 60 guests, showed the DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Thandwa Mthembu and Ithala Group Chief Executive Ms Pearl Bengu signing the ground-breaking MoU. DUT, ranked as one of the top five universities in South Africa, and IDFC, a 60-year-old development finance institution, recognise that in order to pull the economy out of its downward spiral, there must be a pooling of strategies and resources to drive decisive change. DUT and IDFC have thus joined forces to build an Innovation Hub to develop technology innovations in order to improve the lives of DUT students and assist in elevating the local economy.

In her opening remarks, DUT’s Deputy-Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement Professor Sibusiso Moyo said that the signing ceremony marked a number of months of preparation to reach this stage.

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“This day is very special in the sense that we formalise our intent to co-operate. For us to thrive as a KZN or South African economy, we need to remain active. We need to ensure that our people are skilled. Digital literacy at the moment is one of the key areas where skills are needed, both to communicate and also to train,” said Professor Moyo.

She said that the discussion with the IDFC started off by trying to see what DUT could do in the entrepreneurial space in order to contribute to the economic growth of the Province. Bengu said that Ithala takes matters of boosting the local economy and contributing to the skills development of small businesses very seriously.

“It is because of these reasons that the two entities sat down and decided to map out strategies that will see the business sector rise again. COVID-19 has had a significantly negative impact on the local economy and no sector has been left unscathed. Economic recovery postlockdown requires collaboration from public and private

FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

sectors to ensure that local business is able to resume operations as effectively as possible. This must be done without delay to ensure that jobs that existed before COVID-19 are protected and new job opportunities are created,” said Bengu.

Professor Mthembu said that the economy is a major problem that the country needs to solve – the National Development Plan states that the country needs to solve poverty, unemployment and inequality.

“In the midst of what we do, we should be about contributing towards improving the lives and the livelihoods of our people in the broader society. We are the University in and for our people. DUT and IDFC have had a series of engagements around collaborating on the establishment of DUT’s Innovation Hub as it is well known from national and global exemplars. Identifying local industries and corporates that have a similar agenda as the University plays a big role in ensuring that once the Innovation Hub is established, it does not become a silent island or a white elephant where there are no products and innovation activities that contribute to socio-economic development in the region and in the country,” said Professor Mthembu.

Furthermore, Professor Mthembu stated that the signing of the MoU between DUT and IDFC signifies an important landmark in the region. DUT values the relationship with IDFC and it is believed that it will be exemplary for future partnerships.

Identifying local industries and corporates that have a similar agenda as the University plays a big role in ensuring that once the Innovation Hub is established, it does not become a silent island or a white elephant where there are no products and innovation activities that contribute to socio-economic development in the region and in the country – Professor Mthembu.

Professor Mthembu thanked Ms Bengu and her team for engaging with DUT on a number of occasions on areas of collaborations and looked forward to many initiatives that they will co-design and deliver on.

Pictured: DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Thandwa Mthembu and the Ithala Group Chief Executive Ms Pearl Bengu signed an MoU on supporting local economic recovery.

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GLENWOOD SUPERSPAR SUPPORTS DUT TO ENSURE THAT NO STUDENT GOES HUNGRY

By Simangele Zuma

Glenwood SuperSpar has shown unwavering commitment to supporting DUT’s Food Security Programme, which aims to ensure that no student goes hungry, on a monthly basis with nonperishable food items since October 2019.

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UT’s Department of Student Counselling and Health’s Acting Senior Psychologist Miss Candice Leith said that the Food Security Programme, renamed the Phakimpilo Programme (Serve Life) in 2020, which the department runs, was initiated through the Dean of Students as far back as 2011.

Leith expressed the department’s gratitude to Glenwood SuperSpar for their generosity. She stated that the items donated really help disadvantaged students at DUT and assist the department to provide an interim measure until it can assist the identified students further.

“Many cases of hungry students were identified and referred but there was no facility at the Institution to assist them, and it seemed to be a widespread problem.

As of 2020, the DUT Student Counselling and Health Department houses the Food Security Programme and funds are dependent on staff member contributions, funds raised from the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office and food donations,” said Leith.

Explaining how the food is distributed, Leith said that they first identify the student in need, who has to undergo a screening process where they have to provide a letter of

We donate mainly non-perishable items, such as canned foods, mealie meal, sugar, rice, sugar beans and sanitary pads.

– Stefanie Steffen.

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FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

motivation as to why they qualify for this programme or food donation.

“We require a copy of their ID, a copy of their student card, proof of student registration, and proof that they are not NSFAS funded or receiving any bursary. This can include a bank statement, payslip reflecting income at home, death certificate, pension documents, and grant documents. We then keep records of non-perishable items donated for auditing purposes. Following this, we provide counselling to explore options to assist further with the food concern,” said Leith.

Glenwood SuperSpar’s Public Relations Officer Mrs Stefanie Steffen said that their relationship with DUT goes back a long way, as they have been donating to DUT for many years.

She said that the earliest record of sponsorship was the DUT Golf Day in 2004. “Since then, we have been involved with donations to DUT, to the different DUT student residences as well as the Enactus Department.

The more recent and monthly sponsorship, however, started in October 2019, when Mrs Nishie Govender came into the store to meet me. She then told me about the Food Security Programme. My husband and I discussed it and we wanted our business to get involved in the programme,” said Steffen.

She explained that every month, she contacts the Fundraising and Stewardship Officer in the Department of Advancement and Alumni Relations at DUT Ms Pretty Nokulunga Zulu, asking for a list of non-perishable items needed to feed the students. “She will send it through to me, we pick the items and send them off with the DUT driver on the same day. We donate mainly non-perishable items, such as canned foods, mealie meal, sugar, rice, sugar beans and sanitary pads,” said Steffen.

Steffen said that they review their sponsorship yearly and depending on the funds available, they will then decide if they will be able to continue donating towards the DUT feeding programme. Steffen expressed how proud they were of being associated with the programme, providing food for the future leaders of the country.

Mr Tsepiso Thusi, Psychologist in charge of the Food Security Programme and Miss Candice Leith, Acting Senior Psychologist from the Department of Student Counselling and Health with some of the food items donated by Glenwood SuperSpar.

PHAKIMPILO PROGRAMME The Phakimpilo Programme at DUT addresses students’ uncertain or inadequate access to food due to financial constraints by partnering with local shops to allocate essential food vouchers or parcels to them for two months.

If a student does not have food, physical and psychological effects are evident, which, in turn, impact on their academic performance.

The programme is housed by the Student Counselling and Health Department. A screening process is done by the Senior Psychologist along with intern social workers, and documentation and information are kept confidential as they are bound by the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Should a student not qualify, the psychologist will explore alternatives with the student. It is important to note that the programme will only provide students with food vouchers for a period of two months.

Funding is needed to sustain the programme throughout the academic year – 300 students at a cost of R600 000 p/a (25 students per month @ R50 000 x 12 months).

Contact Details Candice Leith – DUT Student Counselling and Health Tel: 031 373 2158 | Email: candicel@dut.ac.za Thokozani Sithole – Midlands Tel: 031 373 2266 | Email: thokozanis1@dut.ac.za DUTConnect // 13

Reporting without fear or favour At age 35, Shahan Ramkissoon has become the most riveting and hard-hitting South African news anchor to watch on eNCA from 3-5pm.

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f you have watched any of his latest news reports during his 16-year stint, you would have seen him increasingly ask squirm-worthy questions and boldly not backing down. Unsurprisingly, this no-nonsense approach has labelled him disrespectful and belittling by politicians. “I will not apologise for simply doing my job and holding politicians accountable,” he fired back.

“The time for being nice or accepting about unnecessary deaths and looting is over.”

Ramkissoon’s career motto is:“Be honest about what you see, get out of the way and let the story reveal itself” – Anderson Cooper. “I truly believe that’s a solid approach to how stories should be covered on the ground. But I’ll also never get out of the way when someone dodgy is involved. I will challenge them.”

He believes that he has a responsibility as a journalist to make sure that our constitutional democracy is not made a mockery of by those in power. “I’ve been called anti-ANC, anti-DA, anti-EFF, anti-ACDP, but that shows that I challenge everyone, regardless of the political party they represent. Independence is what I strive for.”

His typical day involves voracious online reading about everything that’s happening in South Africa and around the world. He’s in constant contact with production teams about the show's agenda and how they cover stories – it’s a never-ending cycle of TV news in order to always be prepared, especially when dealing with dodgy politicians and business people.

“The pressures of the studio are immense too.

There are loads of things to remember and instructions to make the show look good.

Shahan Ramkissoon DUT Journalism graduate DUTConnect // 14

This on top of real journalism and broadcasting live to thousands of people. There’s little room for error but I enjoy the adrenaline!” laughed Ramkissoon.

This desire to question authority and speak up for the voiceless was birthed early on in Chatsworth when he began writing for the Young Daily News at age 14. “I felt that I needed to expose my school for withholding report cards of students who couldn’t afford their fees, so I wrote about it in the provincial newspaper.”

FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

“No story is beneath you. Every story has a heart – tell it, and tell it with passion. Every interview is a lesson; don’t ever forget that.

The basics won’t get you far, so keep pushing boundaries and evolving as a human being and then as a journalist.”

This led to the Education Department acting against school officials and that’s when he realised the power of journalism. “Since then, I’ve been motivated to bring about change through the stories I tell.”

CAREER HISTORY • Freelance Correspondent, eNCA – past seven years, Johannesburg

Ramkissoon, who has a brother and two sisters, subsequently home-schooled, skipped Grade 11 and matriculated at the age of 16. At 17 years old, he had his parents’ full backing to study Journalism at DUT. “Overall, I appreciated the hands-on approach and real-life scenarios that were used during lectures. Tara Turkington, Kubi Rama, Jude Mathurine and Mikhail Peppas were all incredible at teaching us skills that I use all these years later. DUT was serious when necessary and also fun.”

He continued writing for the Daily News in his first year.

“I would go to their Greyville offices after lectures every weekday to try to get stories in the newspaper,” he said.

“In second year, I started working weekends at SABC Radio through our lecturer Fawzia Moodley, and that eventually led to an internship. So DUT really did open doors for me.”

Amazingly, this heartthrob metro man is still single and not a father yet. “Work consumes most of my life because I love what I do. I keep trying to grow as a journalist and hope that one day I can go abroad again to further my career. As for balance, I do try to relax and have fun on weekends to de-stress.” @ShahanR

• Anchor and Correspondent, Arise News – 2014-2016, New York • Correspondent, Arise TV – 2013-2014, Johannesburg • TV Journalist, eNews Channel Africa, 2007-2013, Johannesburg • Radio News Anchor and TV Reporter, SABC News, 2005-2007, Durban

Sporting multiple, unashamed Christian tattoos, Ramkissoon stays trim with Crossfit, and loves to dance, judging by his tongue-in-cheek TikTok videos. “I love music, especially South African tunes. It’s mostly what I do when I get a chance to break away and relax. You’ll find Busiswa, Mafikizolo, Kabza, Prince Kaybee, among others, on my play list.”

Ramkissoon supports the Sunflower Fund through an ambassador programme, because “I do honestly believe that we should all try to help save a life when we can.”

Shahan Ramkissoon

Bookings: shahanr@gmail.com

DUTConnect // 15

Breaking TV news with passion Feisty Nabeelah Shaikh (28) has courageously covered everything from gruesome murder cases to widespread bribery and corruption as an award-winning multi-media reporter for the past seven years.

“I

t’s a rat race – there’s never a dull moment,” she laughed. “We’re never short of stories to tell as South Africans. Being a television reporter means you have to be on the move every day, covering breaking and other general news. It’s exciting and thrilling!”

Describing herself on Facebook as a news junkie, truth seeker, storyteller and dreamer,

Shaikh cut her teeth as a multi-media investigative reporter, social media manager and researcher for Independent Newspapers’ Sunday Tribune from 2013 before moving to eTV as a video journalist, covering all news beats in 2018.

She won the Vodacom Journalist of the Year regional award in 2015 at age 23 for her story ‘Isis Wants You – How we Cracked the Secret Route’ (for which her life was threatened), and again two years later for her story ‘For Sale: A place at Medical School’. This secured her the reputation as a dedicated journalist who pushed boundaries with maturity, tenacity and fearlessness.

“It was quite an achievement for me, even though I do this for passion and not for recognition,” said Shaikh modestly. “I strive for excellence by always giving my best at whatever I do. There’s no time to be mediocre.”

Her average day includes a blur of chasing stories, doing live crossings and packaging content for television. “Moving away from conventional TV journalism, I became a one-man-band, doing live crossings, shooting, scripting and editing TV stories single-handedly using an iPhone.”

Nabeelah Shaikh DUT Journalism graduate

DUTConnect // 16

FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

strangers on the streets. It was amazing that something as little as an apple could put a smile on so many faces. It was a beautiful experience that I’ll never forget.”

Go out and make things happen for you instead of waiting for opportunities to come your way.

Her polished voice can also be heard on The Durban Report weekdays on Salaamedia.

Making the transition from print to broadcast journalism was definitely a successful career move for this poised and professional reporter. “Entering the broadcast media industry at a time when the industry was changing so rapidly meant that I had to adapt.”

Growing up in Tongaat as a long-awaited daughter amid three brothers to parents who always pushed her to study, she displayed an early love of writing, delivering speeches, talking at family gatherings and school events and passionately following current affairs and debating throughout her high school career.“I had great admiration for reporters and newsreaders. I would always say I wanted to be like them one day, and here I am!”

After matriculating at Fairbreeze Secondary School in 2010, Shaikh studied Journalism at DUT and obtained her BTech degree directly afterwards.

One of her most memorable experiences was venturing out on photography walks through the city with her Photography lecturer Mikhail Peppas. “One of our walks fell on Mandela Day and students distributed apples to @Nabeelah_Shaikh

Nabeelah Shaikh

She said that if it wasn’t for DUT encouraging students to take on in-service training, it would be difficult for many to get a break in the working world. “My lecturers at the time were extremely encouraging and they pushed us to go out there to find opportunities.”

“It really did prepare me for the working world,” she said. She wrote for a community newspaper King Shaka Weekly while in her first year and began an internship at Independent Newspapers in her third year, which resulted in her securing a permanent position.

Her advice to current and aspiring journalists is: “Never stop learning and upskilling.There are so many new things you can learn as a journalist every day, especially at the rate at which mobile journalism is advancing. Get your name out there, be tech savvy and ensure that you have active social media profiles.”

Since her job is so stressful, Shaikh mostly enjoys “doing nothing” in her downtime. “Yes, just being in pyjamas all day, watching Netflix and chilling!” she laughed. “When you lead such a fast-paced life, it’s the perfect way to relax. I read often, love to cook and enjoy spending time outdoors doing adventurous things.”

Outspoken feminist Shaikh has been married for three years to a very supportive husband, Waseem Ally, who understands the challenges that come with being a journalist. “I think I have a good balance between work and my personal and family life,” Shaikh said. “As much as I do want to progress in my career and I’m driven, I always make the time to have fun, be with family and do the things I enjoy most.” @nabeelah_shaikh

Nabeelah.Shaikh@etv.co.za DUTConnect // 17

2030 STATEMENT OF INTENT Our people will be creative, innovative, entrepreneurial and adaptive to change in the world;

By 2030,

Our people will participate productively in the development of our region, country and the world;

EFFECTIVE AND ENABLING

INFLUENCING AND IMPACTING

Our state-of-the-art infrastructure and systems will enhance an ecosystem created to achieve this vision.

DUTConnect // 18

FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

DUT - RANKED IN THE TOP 5 OF ALL SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES

DUTConnect // 19

Burning up the airwaves Besides entertaining the masses with his sultry voice and gregarious personality on the Stacey and J Sbu Drive Show on East Coast Radio (ECR) from 4-7pm every weekday, easy-going Sibu (J Sbu) Nxumalo (28) is also a talented Afro Pop, Afro House and Afro Tech musician, emcee, voiceover artist, DJ and social media influencer.

H

is latest single titled Abazali featuring Minnie Ntuli and Vuyani landed near the end of 2020 – and it’s sizzling hot! “Out of all the talents I possess, DJ-ing has to be one of my favourites. Watching people dance and let loose because of my set is the best feeling in the world,” he said.

Besides being the host of the early morning ECR Breakfast Show for three years and ECR’s PartyCentral for one, being the host of a drive show on one of the biggest radio stations in South Africa has been a real dream come true for him.

It’s hard to believe that a humble farm boy from Mandeni, who only started speaking decent English when he got into university, has become so articulate, confident and successful. “For many years, I felt like the talented kid who no one saw,” he lamented.

Charismatic Nxumalo was always the centre of attention, good at sports and the funny kid in class, but who also was the responsible eldest sibling (his brother is 20 and sister 13). He always knew that he wanted to do something big in the entertainment industry.

“I looked at my mom, who’s a nurse, and my dad, who’s a policeman, and realised that there

was more. There was that burning desire to be bigger, to be relevant, to be seen,” he said.

Nxumalo decided to study Public Relations at DUT after matriculating from Seatides Combined School in 2009.

One of the top achieving students in his class, he always tried to find a good balance between having fun and being up to date with his studies.

Before completing his BTech in 2014, Nxumalo did his experiential learning at the DUT Student Services Department, which became his internship the following year where he worked closely with the then Dean of Students Amar Singh to start a radio station.

He cites this as one of his greatest career highlights as it cultivated so many talents, some of whom are now presenting on radio and TV because they had a platform on which to hone their craft.

He intends to revive the station this year as it was hard hit by COVID-19 regulations and wasn’t able to operate for most of 2020. “I am very excited to continue fulfilling my passion of cultivating more talent as I love helping students achieve their dreams.”

Everything Nxumalo learned at DUT has been used in his burgeoning career. “DUT made it easy for me to use what I learnt in the real world. I now use PR strategies for my personal brand and in distributing music,” he said. “I don't think I'd be where I am if it wasn't

J Sbu DUT Public relations graduate DUTConnect // 20

(BTech)

FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

OTHER CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

I believe in presenting your best self with every opportunity you're given. Be passionate about becoming the next best version of yourself, work hard, be open to learn and always stay humble.

for DUT and the experiences I was exposed to there. I am definitely a proud alumnus!”

Laid-back Nxumalo enjoys hanging out with friends and family, trying new things and meeting new people. He still considers himself a proud, doting father of two, even though his son Smanga was tragically stillborn in 2016.

His other son, Zanda, is three, unbearably cute and the spitting image of his dad.

He’s prepared to continue working hard for his future plans, which include building a proudly KZN brand that is recognised both nationally and internationally. “I don’t want to walk in a supermarket to do my own shopping. I want to be a superstar!” @jsbuofficial

jsbubookings@gmail.com

• Voiceover work for some of the biggest brands in South Africa (Lovers and Friends 2020 music concert, NHI discourse with Minister of Health, etc.)

• Launched the J Sbu Summer Tour, an annual brand positioning campaign where he travels to various party venues • Ambassador of Gateway Theatre of Shopping (2018) and emcee at the Gateway Preview Fashion Show • DJ'd for crowds over 10 000 at some of the hottest party venues in KZN – Old Mutual Music at the Lake, Durban Braai Day,Views 25, etc.

• Released a debut single titled Uthandolwakho in 2019, featuring former Idols’ contestant Sanele Mkhize and Colours of Sound • Released his second single titled Lethokuhle in 2019, featuring upcoming Johannesburg artist, Nonji • Released another single titled Energy in 2020, featuring upcoming Durban artist, Yashna • Latest single, Abazali features Minnie Ntuli from East Coast Radio and upand-coming star from Eshowe,Vuyani

DUTConnect // 21

Launching A CLOTHING RANGE THROUGH PICK 'N PAY CLOTHING

BY WAHEEDA PETERS

Katekani Moreku (29) has paved the way for other cultural designers by launching a proudly South African clothing range through Pick ’n Pay Clothing in 2020.

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oreku’s range was launched as part of Pick ’n Pay Clothing’s second collaboration with young local designers in celebration of South Africa’s rich cultural landscape. “I am very happy to have been awarded such a rare opportunity to collaborate with Pick ’n Pay Clothing. I’m overwhelmed,” said the euphoric Moreku.

Commenting on his fashion success, DUT’s Fashion and Textiles Department staff said that they are so proud of him and his accomplishments, as he has always been a hard-working individual who is very dedicated to his craft.

DUT Creative Director, fashion designer Gideon, said that from his student days, Moreku had shown a strong design sense, unique fashion direction and more importantly, he knew the risks needed in creating both his designs and establishing the ethos of his brand.

My fashion-forward thinking is inspired by my natural desire to be different and have my own unfiltered ideas.

“When asked to submit a student for this opportunity, he was the one I thought of first due to his strong work ethic. His brand being used under the Pick ’n Pay umbrella shows that he understands the difference between editorial and commercial fashion and how to execute both,” he said proudly.

Speaking more on his journey to Pick ’n Pay Clothing, Moreku said: “Gavin Rajah scouted me from university to

Katekani Moreku DUT Fashion and Textiles graduate

DUTConnect // 22

FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

be a part of a collaboration between young designers and Pick ’n Pay, which he is heading,” he said.

Moreku stated that his collection is a commercial summer range with a focus more on heritage and ethics. He further said that he is enthused by the essence of what makes everyone common as a community. “It captures my perspective of a united South African heritage. I drew inspiration from all the South African cultures that I have been exposed to over the years,” he said.

Despite moving a lot between Gauteng and Mpumalanga, and being exposed to different cultures of South Africa, Moreku was predominately brought up within the SePulana culture in the Manyeleti district.

Cultural sustainability is what shaped Moreku’s general design aesthetic and ignited the yearning in him to create a brand that showcases the stories of the SePulana

“The collaboration concept has been very popular overseas and we are thrilled that local customers are as excited about it. Through this project, we can play a role in launching very talented designers to a much broader commercial audience, and give our customers access to local aspirational yet accessible and affordable clothing,” said Hazel Pillay, General Manager for Pick ’n Pay Clothing.

His inspiration is also largely drawn from the SePulana culture and he aims to keep designing and honing his flow of creativity as he still has many ides he wishes to explore.

Moreku was born in 1991 into a small rural community called Welverdiend in Bushbuckridge in the north-eastern part of South Africa. “I went to multiple schools and completed my primary school at Mahlekisana Primary School and finished my Grade 12 at Mahlale High School,” he said.

DUTConnect // 23

culture and its people, and to help in the development of a sustainable South African fashion trade.

Moreku, who is the first fashion designer in his family, now follows his passion and continues being inspired by his SePulana culture. Part of the traditional wear of the SePulana culture combines leftover fabric and plastic material, which ties in easily with Moreku’s desire to practise sustainable fashion by upcycling different types of waste material.

“My dream was to always be successful at whatever I do. I realised that fashion was for me in my sophomore year; that was after I started entering competitions. My fashion-forward thinking is inspired by my natural desire to be different and have my own unfiltered ideas,” he remarked.

The SePulana culture, which has a SePedi language, makes use of bright and daring colours and has

DUTConnect // 24

enthused Moreku’s desire to be unusual, think out of the box, create wearable art and be defiant to acts of conformity.

His academic fashion journey began with him registering for his National Diploma in Fashion and Textiles at DUT. In between his course of study, Moreku improved his academic fashion knowledge with ‘hands-on’ training, working as an intern for renowned South African brands such as Amanda Laird Cherry, Holmes Bros and Mr Price.

“My biggest challenge was making it through university; as much as it was fun being in the classroom, having to deal with the pressure that comes with being a student was quite a challenge at times. However, the Fashion Department

FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

at DUT has provided me with the necessary opportunities to attain great fashion knowledge and skills,” he said.

In 2017, Moreku entered the Vodacom Durban July Student Competition and clinched first place. In 2018, he was an invited designer under the category of established designers at the Vodacom Durban July, showcasing his range under the category ‘The Timeless Collection’.

In the same year, he was also nominated to be among the top 10 finalists in the SA Fashion Week (SAFW) S/S 18 student competition and was also awarded the Best Menswear Award at the DUT S/S 18 fashion show for third-year students.

He went on to receive the Student Award at the Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards 2019 and was also bestowed the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC’s Recognition Award for Eco-friendly Fashion.

The Pick n Pay Clothing x Katekani range is available in 48 selected P ’n P Clothing stores while stocks last.The range is also available online at www.picknpayclothing.co.za.

After completing his National Diploma in Fashion and Textiles at DUT in 2019, the former alumnus has grown in leaps and bounds in the fashion arena.

“I’m always willing to assist others as much as I was assisted to get to where I am now in my fashion career, and I would even consider lecturing at DUT. Long term, my goal is to build an empire that changes the idea that there are no ‘big and successful designers’ from Nelspruit, Mpumalanga,” he said.

DUTConnect // 25

Designing cutting-edge jewellery Besides winning multiple awards as a bespoke jewellery designer and manufacturer, talented Nihal Shah (27) was one of the first jewellers in Durban to implement 3D jewellery printing.

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anaging Director at family-owned Vijay Shah Concepts, Shah was humble and unassuming as he cited his top career highlights: Top 10 finalist in the PlatAfrica competition in 2013 while still a student; finalist in the De Beers Shining Light Awards in 2015; second in the Anglo Platinum competition in 2017; winner of the Anglo-American People's Choice Award

nihal shah Jewellery Design and Manufacture graduate (BTech)

in 2019; and most recently, Finalist in the 2020 Anglo Platinum competition.

His late grandfather, Kishore Shah, was one of the pioneers of the Durban jewellery industry during apartheid, and his role model father,Vijay, opened Vijay Shah Concepts in 2002 and is a multi-award-winner as well.

The eldest of two children (he has a sister), Shah spent his childhood watching both his grandfather and father at work.“I would watch my Dad work for hours in awe, totally fascinated at how a piece of metal would be transformed into a beautiful item of jewellery,� he enthused.

After he matriculated with top marks from Northwood High School in 2010, both his parents supported his decision to study Jewellery Design and Manufacture at DUT. The highlight was his exhibition at the NSA Gallery.

Right: Shah's winning submission to the Anglo-American People's Choice Awards in 2019.

Below: The Uni-Tie (Unity) accessory Shah submitted for the Anglo-American PlatAfrica 2020 competition.

DUTConnect // 26

FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

There’s no excuse for bad manners. Quality and honesty are not negotiable.

Shah earned second place with this bracelet at the Anglo Platinum competition in 2017.

“The Jewellery Department was small and intimate so I loved the interaction with my fellow students – we forged good relationships and had a good sense of camaraderie.”

Shah graduated from DUT in 2013 with a National Diploma and in 2015 obtained his BTech degree from DUT while doing a postgrad course in Commercial Jewellery Design and Product Development in Johannesburg, which dovetailed with his BTech dissertation.

Shah honed his craft part-time in the family business while still at DUT, implementing CAD/CAM technologies and introducing 3D jewellery manufacturing technology.

He then interned as a CAD designer for Design @ 50 from 2014 to 2015 and went on to supply the jewellery trade with designs and 3D prints from his own business, Legacy Print Works, from 2015 to 2016. Finally, in 2016, he decided to join the family business full time.

No two working days are the same for dedicated Shah and he does not follow conventional hours. They entail waking up early to design or consult with clients, or are spent behind the bench manufacturing or designing on CAD. “I am fortunate in that I am able to bounce my ideas off my father,” said Shah. “We touch sides on a daily basis to compare notes and prioritise our orders.”

Always striving for excellence and advancement, he usually experiments and enhances his skills on his computer numerical control (CNC) machine/3D printers in the evenings. He does trade work (CAD designing and 3D printing) for other jewellers on an ad hoc basis and his machinery allows him to work 24 hours, if needs be.

His biggest career lessons centre around how one treats

a person. “Everyone knows everyone in this industry and respect and humility are truly what elevates an average jeweller from an incredible one,” he asserted.

“People remember you more than your business and it is important to be personable in an industry that is so absolutely personal.”

His advice to others in his field is to never give up. “This field is hard and everyone you meet has something to teach you,” he said. “Listen to your own inner voice but never, ever be unteachable.You learn more and go further when you understand that there is something you can learn from everyone around you.”

He mentored a staff member with no formal background in the jewellery industry for the Anglo Plat Awards, who was selected as a Top 10 finalist in the Apprentice category for 2020. “I am always willing to assist and mentor ambitious and hardworking students in the industry.”

For leisure, Shah enjoys going for long drives, watching TV series (he’s a self-confessed addict) and listening to music. “My favourite pastime is being with my family and catching up over a good home-cooked meal.”

Shah is proud to be single and takes time out for himself, his relationships and what is important to him. He feels that his personal life is as balanced as it can possibly be but it is tricky at times to make that differentiation while working in a family business.

“I’m lucky to have a very solid support structure and when life gets overwhelming, I can always lean on my family for support,” affirmed Shah. “For me, family is everything.There is nothing I would not do for my family.”

DUTConnect // 27

Pioneering non-invasive medical testing and treatment in SA Clinical Technologist extraordinaire Dr Rakesh Mohanlall (48) holds a patent on a blood rejuvenation machine, started a new treatment in South Africa for cardiac patients known as External Counterpulsation (ECP), is the founder of the International ECP Association, introduced the first non-invasive cardiac diagnostic tests in Africa (3D Vasculography – 3DVG), and is the first perfusionist in the world to achieve a Doctorate in Cardiovascular Perfusion.

I

ndomitable Mohanlall is the CEO of South African External Counterpulsation Centre in Durban North, which offers 3DVG as well as treatment for patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and heart disease before or after stents and bypass surgery.

He has treated thousands of patients (including medical professionals) from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Mozambique, Scotland, Mauritius, etc. in the last decade with a greater than 90% success rate.

Growing up the eldest son among four to a humble bookkeeper (father) and machinist (mother) in Phoenix, he went on to participate competitively in karate, volleyball, table tennis and soccer on a local, national and international level.

RAKESH MOHANLALL DUT Clinical Technology graduate

Although the winner of the National Science Olympiad in 1990, Mohanlall had to work for a year after matric due to financial constraints, then enrolled for Medical Technology at DUT in 1992. After successfully completing his first year, doctors thought that Mohanlall would never walk again after suffering severe spinal cord injuries from a terrible car accident.

It took a year to recover but by then his course had changed and his credits had fallen away. He turned to karate again, became super fit and started two karate clubs with over 100 students.

Mohanlall worked in a printing press for two years while teaching karate in the evenings and enrolled for Clinical Technology at DUT in 1995.“It was great getting a second opportunity to study so I was not going to waste it.”

(DTECH)

Use what you achieve to help others and you will never have time to concentrate on your life’s shortcomings. One day those deeds will come back to help you.

DUTConnect // 28

Mohanlall's non-invasive 3DVG diagnostic and ECP treatment banners.

A mini bypass animal study in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, pre-2008.

He met his wife Nishara at DUT, and while working and teaching karate at night, he bought old cars to repair and sell for fees. “I remember working 36 hours non-stop alone to re-assemble a car just so that I would have it ready for sale. I have repaired and sold more than 60 cars in my lifetime!”

After completing his degree in 1996, Mohanlall worked at Wentworth Hospital’s Cardiac Surgery Department as a cardiovascular perfusionist, operating the heart/lung machine during bypass surgery till the end of 2000, where he achieved a Diploma in Perfusion.

Mohanlall spent the next seven years in Saudi Arabia where he became Head of the Cardiovascular Perfusion Department at the North West Armed Forces Hospital in Tabuk and achieved numerous accolades. There, he completed his BTech degree in 2001 through DUT and started his Master’s study after gaining ethical approval from DUT and North West Armed Forces Hospital.

He returned to South Africa in 2008 and submitted his Master’s, which was converted to a DTech degree.

“Achieving this was one of my greatest achievements.”

In 2010, Mohanlall and his partners registered an NPO called Treating Hearts Association to get funding for poor and desperately ill patients. “I tried hard to get Government’s assistance for the last 10 years to make these valuable technologies available, but to no avail.”

In 2012, Mohanlall began the Centre for Advanced Medicine by introducing the first state-of-the-art 3DVG machine on the African continent. He completed and published a new study on a Russian screening technology used for genetic mapping and organ dysfunction, and

Trained by the armed forces on chemical, biological and nuclear warfare EMS pre-2008.

he opened a new SAECP franchise in Newcastle with a specialist medical doctor in 2017.

Mohanlall mentors students from various schools and universities on a regular basis and is a moderator for BTech and Master’s students from DUT. His centre, which was officially accredited as a Satellite Training Centre by the HPCSA in 2014, holds an MoU with DUT to train students on ECP and advanced technologies. He has presented at numerous national and international meetings and congresses and has been interviewed countless times.

Mohanlall has no work/life balance as he uses every single minute to its maximum: “Sleep is a necessity for me and not a luxury I can afford. There is too much left to do!” he said. “My task is to help people get better in every possible way. That is my life.”

He has been married for 21 years to a “wonderful, hard-working and selfless lady” who is a Maths and Science teacher with an Honours degree in Education Management. She left her profession to help Mohanlall cope with his brutal workload.

They have a 10-year-old daughter (Arya) and eight-yearold son (Rikaar). “One of my regrets is that I put my career before my life and had children late.”

Mohanlall collects exotic fish called Discus from the Amazon as a hobby. “They are breathtaking but a timeconsuming and expensive addiction.” In 2019, he found a way to treat ‘hole in the head disease’ in these fish using a plant extract from the South African Wormwood tree.

He also loves gardening, and discovered a novel way to graft roses using the thorns to exchange genetic material and change their colour and size.

www.counterpulsation.co.za • www.scalenesouthafrica.com • www.internationalecpassociation.com

DUTConnect // 29

Working at the cutting edge of tb and HIV clinical research Professor Vinodh Aroon Edward (44) has certainly travelled far from being a petrol attendant at his father’s Newlands West garage as a teenager to becoming an internationally-respected tuberculosis (TB) and HIV clinical researcher.

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s the Regional Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Research at The Aurum Institute NPC, Edward is responsible for the Clinical and Implementation Research divisions, which have more than 300 permanent staff, over 50 active research grants and an annual operating budget exceeding $30 million. He facilitates the collaboration of a cross-disciplinary group of TB and HIV experts with complementary interests and skills to conduct transformative and translational TB and HIV research.

He is also the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Global Health Innovations (GHI), which is part of the Aurum group of companies.The Aurum Institute NPC is one of Africa’s largest public benefit organisations working in TB and HIV with a presence in more than 10 countries.

Edward is currently the Aurum Site Principal Investigator for the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) ADVANCE grant and the sub-Saharan African Network for TB/HIV Research Excellence (SANTHE) grant. He is also a co-investigator on a number of clinical trials.

Edward’s typical day involves multiple meetings to discuss study progress, finance updates, and operational and human resource matters.“We have partners all over the world, so the various time zones extend the work day far beyond eight hours.”

He works on strategic and business continuity aspects and is also a mentor to junior researchers. He is very involved in infrastructure development and has designed and overseen the building of clinical research centres and laboratories over the years.

Edward is mentored by Professor Gavin Churchyard, founder and CEO of The Aurum Institute NPC, specialist physician and global TB expert.

Being appointed as the Regional COO for Research is one of Edward’s career highlights. Another highly gratifying moment was being appointed as an adjunct assistant professor at Yale University in the USA in 2018, which is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the world. Lastly, Edward is particularly proud of the critical role that GHI played in supporting the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health with COVID-19 testing last year.

vinodh Edward DUT BIOTECHNOLOGY GRADUATE (DTECH) DUTConnect // 30

FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

While talent is something you have naturally, excellence is something you have to really work hard and smart for. I keep working at things until I feel it is perfect. Anything is possible!

Edward grew up with an older brother and younger sister to parents who wanted him to become a doctor (his mom was a nurse before his birth). Edward’s interest in microbiology was piqued as a 16-year-old when he suffered from food poisoning and developed an allergy to seafood. “I started reading about the causes of allergies and food poisoning, and really wanted to become a scientist thereafter.”

After matriculating at Burnwood Secondary School in 1994, Edward first studied for a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Microbiology and Human Physiology, and went on to complete his BTech, MTech and DTech degrees, all at DUT. “Being a student at DUT was an amazing experience,” he said. “It was very different from being at a traditional university at the time, and I felt that there was a lot more experiential learning.”

He fondly remembers all the volleyball matches played at various conferences as the Department of Biotechnology had its own team, whose players were very competitive. “It was great fun and was the highlight of some of our trips!”

Although Edward studied full time while doing his BTech and MTech, he continued working in the family business and also worked for the University on various projects.

He did his DTech part-time, but found it quite challenging in terms of trying to find a work/study balance.

“I learnt that you should not be narrow minded about your career,” he said. “The qualification you earn is merely a stepping stone to something greater, which is really up to you.”

Edward has been married to Dr Samanta Lalla-Edward (an academic researcher and public health evaluation specialist) for 17 years and they have two sons – Miheer (15) and Varun (4). “It helps having a partner who understands the pressures and successes of the profession and who can be a sounding board.”

Edward supports his boys at school activities and is a car enthusiast – he enjoys attending motoring events and driving at different race tracks. Coming from backgrounds rooted in serving the community, Edward and his wife continue to remain active in charity work. Together with their sons, they are involved in fundraising for children in education and sport.

“I spent a long time building my career and this came at the sacrifice of my family,” he said. “I am now focusing on a work/life balance, as my family are my priority. It’s important to never forget where you come from and where you want to go to. Although your career may change, your family seldom does. Treasure them!”

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Overcoming adversity with gutsy determination Chosen as one of the top 10 learners in South Africa in the 2019 Gradstar Programme, Yeshveer Manawar (27) is now a Business Strategy Analyst for Accenture through sheer hard work, tenacity and dedication to excellence.

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he GradStar Programme recognises the top 100 students based on leadership qualities and for workplace readiness. It is designed to provide previously unrecognised students with opportunities for employment and to emulate the process that top employers (Absa, Accenture, Fasken, Epiroc, BAT, DHL and many more) use to find their future talent. It makes use of behavioural testing and personal interviewing among other methods as measurement tools.

“I was privileged to meet numerous professionals in various aspects of the business environment,” said Manawar. “Networking and creating strong friendships with the top 100 students and some of the greatest minds in the country was a priceless experience.”

It was this remarkable achievement that landed him his current position at Accenture, where he leverages technology to create dynamic business solutions that deliver value and drive innovation across various industries as part of the innovation and growth domain.

“While my work does not involve Chemical Engineering, it has laid the foundation for how I work, think and solve problems in my career,” he said.

“DUT allowed me to gain practical experience and how to apply critical thinking to solve complex issues and be agile in my way of working.”

He went on to say: “We are not defined by our degrees and should always look to improve ourselves outside of our comfort zones. I was surprised at the vast range of professions in the workplace, which favours adaptability in skill sets as the roles we hold change as time and technology does.”

His entrepreneurial father and mother (a housewife) always made sure that he and his elder sister always felt well looked after, even though things weren’t always easy financially. “My parents strongly believed in our potential but also pushed us to be independent and

Yeshveer Manawar DUT Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Chemical Engineering Graduate DUTConnect // 32

FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

ensured that we took accountability for our own success in our studies.”

After graduating with academic colours from Glenwood High School in 2011, Manawar began studying Chemical Engineering at the University of KwaZulu-Natal but had to leave in his third year when his father’s business ran into difficulties. He worked for two years as a Maths and Physics tutor for high school and university learners to save enough money to finish his studies and support his family.

Unfortunately, his dad suffered a massive stroke, leaving him bedridden and unable to work. Manawar took out loans to pay for his fees and began studying Chemical Engineering Technology full time at DUT, where he worked after campus hours by teaching Maths and Physics at learners’ houses.

This saw him working gruelling 18-hour workdays – balancing shuttling his dad daily for physical therapy, attending lectures and doing campus work, teaching, and then returning home in the evenings to study or complete assignments.

“Failure was not even an option as too much depended on me,” emphasised Manawar. “I remember when I was getting sick every few weeks due to sleep deprivation or fighting through burnouts. I was fuelled by a single thought for my family and I: survive!”

His fondest memories of DUT were his class’ late-night local area network (LAN) sessions – trying to perfect their design assignments and ordering McDonalds while they worked till the early hours to finish.“Those memories will be fondly cherished and the bonds I formed with my classmates were remarkable.”

In his limited spare time (he still privately tutors high school and university students in Physics and Maths), Manawar is an avid squash player, having represented DUT in 2018 at the University Sports South Africa (USSA) squash tournament in Port Elizabeth as the number 1 seed. His personal life in Johannesburg is currently much less hectic than before: “While I am very dedicated to growing my career, I am a strong advocate for work/life balance.”

Yeshveer Manawar

Sometimes life does not give us the hand we feel we deserve, and often we are our own limitations, yet we are the epitome of boundless potential. Through hard work and resilience, underpinned by a purpose in life, we can overcome the battles we are faced with.

He is not yet married but is in a long-term relationship with his partner, Anashia, who has been unbelievably supportive and encouraging through his arduous journey. His dad suffered a second stroke and now uses a wheelchair, but takes one day at a time. “He is an inspiration to me for the strength it takes to get up and fight against the blockers holding us back.”

@yeshveer_m

in

YeshveerManawar

DUTConnect // 33

Exemplifying woman power in chemical engineering Process Engineering trainee Kiara Govender (24) from Durban, who achieved the Dean’s Merit Award, the FFS Award for Top Academic Achiever (Master of Engineering), the IChemE SAIChE silver medal and IPET’s highest academic achievement in BTech Engineering (all disciplines) by a lady graduate, is looking forward to a promising career as one of very few female chemical engineers in the country.

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nfortunately, Govender’s almost twoyear contract as a process engineer in training for Bidvest Tank Terminals (BTT) at their head office in Umhlanga ended in November 2020.

Initially, she was very involved with assessing and updating their engineering site drawings, but then her main responsibility became to assess the compatibility of new and current products to the storage tanks, to give a step-

by-step method of how to store a specific product and to recommend whether the current storage facility needed to be upgraded or modified.

She regularly drove to Richards Bay and the Durban site to collect information to assess the storage systems to improve the equipment’s safety and efficiency. She began her journey at BTT Richards Bay in 2019, working under the process manager (BTT is a tank farm that stores fuels, chemicals, vegetable oils, gases, etc.)

“From March 2020, there was no process manager. I was then given more responsibility and tasks,” she said. “As a process engineering trainee, I gained invaluable experience and grew personally.”

Her father, being a high school Science teacher, birthed an interest in Mathematics and Science in her from very young by regularly testing her and her siblings or telling them the science behind everyday tasks. This also had an impact in the way she approached her studies. “I have always loved Maths and Science from a young age and I have always excelled. I tackle every challenge or task to the best of my ability.”

Govender’s younger brother is currently in his third year studying Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics at DUT and her younger sister is 15 years old and is in Grade 10 studying purely Science subjects as well. “Can you see the trend here?” she asked, laughing.

Kiara govender DUT Chemical Engineering graduate (BTech)

DUTConnect // 34

FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Do your best in everything; share your knowledge and expertise. Surround yourself with positive people who will uplift you, and try to empower and encourage the people you surround yourself with.

In 2013, she matriculated from Queensburgh Girls' High School with five distinctions. She chose to study Chemical Engineering at DUT from 2014, however, this was not her first choice. It was, in fact, Pharmacy that she had been rejected for.

“When I researched this field (Chemical Engineering) prior to choosing it, I found out that it had a lack of females and I also didn't know many females who chose this career path,” said Govender.

Making the adjustment from high school to tertiary study was easy for her: “DUT makes you still somehow feel like you are in school with a much bigger class.You get to know your lecturers and classmates very well. Everyone is so helpful. You get a feeling of togetherness, especially in the Chemical Engineering Department.”

Even though she had to juggle her own full-time studies with tutoring her siblings during their exam time, she managed to sail through her degree, undergo her work integrated learning at AkzoNobel-ICI Dulux (2016-2017) and excel in achieving her BTech cum laude in 2018. “With this exposure and my awards, BTT was very impressed and it showed the calibre of employees that you receive from DUT.”

Her advice to those venturing into Chemical Engineering is: “Be a very curious engineer who always asks questions, even if you think they’re silly!

You gain immense knowledge from everyone in the work environment, especially employees on site. Have a strong work ethic, and always be willing to take on new challenges.

Govender has enjoyed participating in sport from primary school, so she still plays volleyball and table tennis whenever she can. She binges on TV series, still tutors her siblings and is very family-orientated. She is currently looking for a new job and would love to continue studying for her Master’s in this field.

Govender’s mother, a high school Language and Dramatic Arts teacher, brings some balance to the pure science slant in the family by encouraging her to also explore her creative side. “I always find myself being pulled into arranging relatives’ and friends’ birthday parties, receptions, bridal showers and baby gender reveal parties!” she enthused. “I love this and hopefully one day see myself having this as a small business.”

in

Kiara-Govender

DUTConnect // 35

DUT ALUMNI MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME LAUNCHED The Advancement and Alumni Relations Office is pleased to announce the establishment and launch of the DUT Alumni Mentorship Programme, where selected DUT alumni will be afforded the opportunity to contribute towards the next generation of leaders by mentoring current DUT students.

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mentorship are well-documented. Mentorship can serve as a key developmental aspect of an individual, both personally and professionally, and can contribute to both emotional and intellectual development. It can also serve as a networking gateway that can potentially introduce

The necessity for such a programme requires no motivation since the benefits and positive outcomes of

Mentors also benefit from this experience as they can also sharpen their leadership, life-coaching and guidance skills.

webinar to commemorate the launch was attended by alumni and pre-alumni and outlined the programme and the implementation plan, and allowed for questions.

The office has collated a database of alumni who have volunteered their service as mentors as well as prealumni who are keen to be mentored. The matching of mentor to mentee is underway and the office will be proceeding with the mentorship from March 2021.

the mentee to a variety of career opportunities through introductions made by the mentor. It thus provides many opportunities for growth, positive development, shaping of an appropriate mindset for success and the overall improvement of attitudes and behaviour in the mentee.

Should you wish to join this programme, please contact Ronelle Lyson on ronellel@dut.ac.za

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Advancement

AND ALUMNI

Relations