Durban University of Technology facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Durban University of Technology

Inyuvesi yasethekwini yezobuchwepheshe
Other name	DUT
Motto	Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.
Type	Public University of Technology
Established	2002; 23 years ago (2002) (history can be traced to 1907 as the former Natal Technical College)
Academic affiliations	AAU, ACU, HESA, International Association of Universities
Chancellor	Nonkululeko Nyembezi
Vice-Chancellor	Thandwa Mthembu
Administrative staff	2 347
Students	31 991 students
Location	Durban & Pietermaritzburg , KwaZulu-Natal , South Africa
Colours	Baby blue, purple, green, red, royal blue & light purple

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a big university in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It has many campuses. DUT was created in 2002. It was formed when two other schools, Technikon Natal and ML Sultan Technikon, joined together. At first, it was called the Durban Institute of Technology.

DUT has five campuses in Durban. It also has two campuses in Pietermaritzburg. In 2022, over 31,991 students were studying there. This university is special because it is one of only five technical schools in Africa that offers Doctoral Degrees. These are the highest degrees you can get.

A Look at DUT's History

The Durban University of Technology started in April 2002. It was formed by combining two older schools. These schools were ML Sultan and Technikon Natal. The university was first known as the Durban Institute of Technology. Later, in 2007, its name changed to the Durban University of Technology.

The Natal Technical College was founded in 1907. It started by teaching over 350 part-time students. Over time, the college changed. By 1967, it became a school mainly for white students.

Who Leads DUT?

The university has a special group called the University Council. This group helps make important decisions.

• Wiseman Madinane is the main leader of the University Council.
• Brenda Ntombela is the second-in-command of the Council.

Students at DUT also get to choose their own leaders. They elect a Student Representative Council every 1 to 3 years.

Where Are the DUT Campuses?

DUT has several campuses where students can learn.

• Brickfield Campus, Durban
• City Campus, Durban
• Indumiso Campus, Pietermaritzburg
• ML Sultan Campus, Durban
• Ritson Campus, Durban
• Riverside Campus, Pietermaritzburg
• Steve Biko Campus, Durban

Important People at DUT

Nonkululeko Nyembezi is the Chancellor of the Durban University of Technology. She is a very important leader. She is also the Executive Chairperson of Standard Bank Group.

The university has many teachers and staff. About 841 people work as teachers. More than half of them are women. Many teachers also have advanced degrees.

Here are some of the senior leaders at DUT:

• Thandwa Mthembu is the Vice-Chancellor and Principal.
• Vuyo Mthethwa is in charge of People & Operations.
• Fulufhelo Nemavhola leads Research, Innovation & Engagement.
• Azwitevhelwi Nevhutalu is the temporary leader for Teaching & Learning.
• Maditsane Nkonoane is the Registrar.
• Nthanyiseni Dhumazi is the Chief Financial Officer.

What Can You Study at DUT?

DUT has six main areas of study, called faculties.

• Faculty of Accounting & Informatics (about numbers and computers)
• Faculty of Applied Sciences (about how science is used)
• Faculty of Arts & Design (about creative arts and design)
• Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment (about building and machines)
• Faculty of Health Sciences (about health and medicine)
• Faculty of Management Sciences (about running businesses)

Each of these faculties has its own leader, called an Executive Dean.

The DUT Business School

The Durban University of Technology opened its Business School in 2021. This school helps people learn about business. It offers different programs. These include a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and other business courses. The school also works with companies. It helps train their employees in many areas.

The DUT Business School building.

How Many Students Attend DUT?

DUT offers classes where students learn in person. It is also part of COIL. This group helps students learn online with others from around the world.

In 2022, there were 31,991 students enrolled at DUT. This number includes students studying for their first degree. It also includes those working on their Masters and Doctoral degrees.

How DUT Ranks Among Universities

In 2021, the university was ranked by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. This was the first time in its history. It was ranked among the top 500 universities in the world. It was also in the top 5 universities in South Africa. This was a big achievement for the university.

In 2022 and 2023, DUT stayed in the Top 5 of all 26 South African Universities. It was also the number 1 University of Technology in the country. Globally, it was in the top one-third of all universities.

Famous People Who Went to DUT

Many successful people have studied at DUT. Mr Alan Khan was the first President of the DUT Convocation in 2002. The Convocation is a group for former students. Miss Zama Mncube is the current President. She was the first woman to hold this position, elected in 2022.

Here are some famous people who are alumni of DUT:

• Gordon Murray - An engineer and designer for car companies.
• Jeremy Maggs - A TV news presenter.
• Alan Khan - A radio presenter.
• Lance Klusener - A famous cricketer.
• Nthati Moshesh - An actress.
• Celeste Ntuli - A comedian and actress.
• Black Coffee (DJ) - A DJ, music producer, singer, and songwriter.
• Zakes Bantwini - A singer, music producer, and businessman who has won many awards.
• Sarah Richards - A sculptor (someone who makes art from materials).
• Bongiwe Msomi - A player for the South Africa national netball team.
• Candice Forword - A field hockey player for the South Africa women's national field hockey team.
• Billy Nair - A politician and activist who fought against unfair laws. He was also a political prisoner.
• Berry Bickle - An artist.
• Gabisile Nkosi - An artist and activist.
• Zwakele Mncwango - A politician.
• Babalo Madikizela - A politician.
• Mandisa Mashego - A politician.
• Nobuhle Nkabane - A politician, who is a Minister in South Africa.

Special Honorary Degrees

DUT also gives special degrees to people who have achieved great things. These are called Honorary Doctorates. They are given to people who have made a big difference in the world.

Here are some of the people who have received these special degrees:

• Mrs P Naidoo, April 2008
• Professor E J da Silva (after he passed away), April 2008
• Mr Andrew Verster, April 2009
• Dr M Hinoul, April 2009
• Mr J N Kollapen, April 2009
• Mr N Soobben, April 2010
• Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, September 2010
• Mr Gordon Murray, April 2011
• Mr B S Biko (after he passed away), April 2011
• Mr M L Sultan (after he passed away), April 2011
• Mr R H L Strachan, April 2011
• Professor L Nkosi (after he passed away), April 2012
• Ms W Y N Luhabe, April 2012
• Vice-Admiral J R Mudimu, April 2012
• Professor N S Ndebele, April 2012
• Mr S Nxasana, September 2012
• Ms Ela Gandhi, September 2012
• Mr Brand Pretorius, April 2013
• Mr Jay Naidoo, September 2013
• Mrs L G Ngcobo, April 2014
• Mr Sven Peek, April 2014
• Mr Ronnie Govender, April 2014
• Mr Anant Singh, September 2014
• Mr D D B Mkhwanazi, September 2014
• Mr Joseph Shabalala, April 2015
• Mr Richard Maponya, April 2015
• Mr Desmond D’Sa, September 2015
• Mr Ahmed Kathrada, April 2016
• Mrs G T Serobe, September 2016
• Mr Kumi Naidoo, September 2017
• Judge Navanethem Pillay, September 2017
• Dr A M Mlangeni, April 2018
• Ms E N Mahlangu, September 2018
• Mr J Clegg, September 2018
• Mr S Mchunu, September 2018
• Mr W Nzimande, September 2018
• Mr B P Vundla, September 2019
• Professor Z K G Mda, June 2021
• Ms Thembi Mtshali-Jones, July 2022
• Professor Salim Abdool Karim, May 2023
• Ms Gcina Mhlophe, May 2024