Durban University of Technology facts for kids
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Inyuvesi yasethekwini yezobuchwepheshe
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Other name
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DUT |
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| Motto | Creative. Distinctive. Impactful. |
| Type | Public University of Technology |
| Established | 2002 (history can be traced to 1907 as the former Natal Technical College) |
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Academic affiliations
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AAU, ACU, HESA, International Association of Universities |
| Chancellor | Nonkululeko Nyembezi |
| Vice-Chancellor | Thandwa Mthembu |
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Administrative staff
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2 347 |
| Students | 31 991 students |
| Location |
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South Africa
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| Colours | Baby blue, purple, green, red, royal blue & light purple |
The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a large university in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It has many campuses. DUT was created in 2002 when two older colleges, Technikon Natal and ML Sultan Technikon, joined together. At first, it was called the Durban Institute of Technology.
DUT has five campuses in Durban and two more in Pietermaritzburg. In 2022, nearly 32,000 students were studying there. This university is special because it's one of only five technical schools in Africa that offers advanced degrees like Doctorates.
Contents
Discovering DUT's History
The Durban University of Technology was formed in April 2002. It was created by combining two technical colleges: ML Sultan and Technikon Natal. First, it was known as the Durban Institute of Technology. Then, in 2007, it became the Durban University of Technology.
The ML Sultan College started thanks to public support after World War II. It helped many people get an education. The Natal Technical College began even earlier, in 1907. It offered classes to over 350 part-time students. Over the years, these colleges grew and changed, leading to the university we know today.
Who Leads DUT?
The university has a special group called the DUT Council. They help guide the university.
- Wiseman Madinane is the main leader, called the Chairperson.
- Brenda Ntombela is the Deputy Chairperson.
Students also get to choose their own leaders. They elect a Student Representative Council every year.
Explore DUT's Campuses
DUT has several campuses where students learn and grow.
- Brickfield Campus, Durban
- City Campus, Durban
- Indumiso Campus, Pietermaritzburg
- ML Sultan Campus, Durban
- Ritson Campus, Durban
- Riverside Campus, Pietermaritzburg
- Steve Biko Campus, Durban
University Leaders and Staff
Nonkululeko Nyembezi is the Chancellor of the Durban University of Technology. She is a very important leader. She is also a top executive at Standard Bank Group.
The university has many staff members who teach and help students. About half of the academic staff are women. Many of them have advanced degrees, like Master's or Doctoral degrees.
Here are some of the senior leaders at DUT:
- Thandwa Mthembu, Vice-Chancellor and Principal (the head of the university)
- Vuyo Mthethwa, Deputy-Vice Chancellor: People & Operations
- Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation & Engagement
- Azwitevhelwi Nevhutalu, Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching & Learning
- Maditsane Nkonoane, Registrar (manages student records and academic rules)
- Nthanyiseni Dhumazi, Chief Financial Officer (manages the university's money)
DUT has six main study areas, called faculties:
- Faculty of Accounting & Informatics
- Faculty of Applied Sciences
- Faculty of Arts & Design
- Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Management Sciences
Each faculty has its own leader, called an Executive Dean.
DUT Business School
The Durban University of Technology opened its Business School in 2021. This school helps students learn about business. It offers different programs, like:
- A Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PDBA)
- Shorter courses and special training programs.
The Business School also works with companies and organizations. They create special training programs to help employees learn new skills.
How Many Students Study at DUT?
The Durban University of Technology offers classes where students attend in person. DUT is also part of COIL, which means Collaborative Online International Learning. This allows students to learn online with others from around the world.
In 2022, there were 31,991 students enrolled at DUT. This includes students studying for their first degree, Master's degrees, and Doctoral degrees.
| Ethnic Group | Percentage |
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| African | 85% |
| Indian | 12% |
| White | 2% |
| Coloured | 1% |
| Total | 100% |
DUT's Global Rankings
| University rankings | |
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| Global – Overall | |
| THE World | 401-500 (2021) |
In 2021, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings listed DUT for the first time. This was a big achievement! DUT was ranked among the top 500 universities in the world. It was also in the top 5 universities in South Africa. This was the first time that KwaZulu-Natal province had two universities in the country's top 5. In 2022, DUT stayed in the Top 5 of all 26 South African Universities. It was also the number one University of Technology in the country.
| DUT Times Higher Education Ranking 2016 to 2024 | |
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| Year | World Rank |
| 2024 | 1001–1200 |
| 2023 | 501–600 |
| 2022 | 401–500 |
| 2021 | 401–500 |
Famous People from DUT
Many successful people have studied at the Durban University of Technology. These former students are called alumni.
Here are some of the past Presidents of the DUT Convocation (a group for former students):
- Mr Alan Khan (2002)
- Mr Wiseman Madinane (2008)
- Mr Siyabonga Vezi (2016)
- Ms Zama Mncube (2022) - She is the first woman to be President of the Convocation.
Here are some other well-known alumni from DUT:
- Gordon Murray - A famous engineer and car designer.
- Jeremy Maggs - A TV news presenter.
- Alan Khan - A radio presenter.
- Lance Klusener - A well-known cricketer.
- Nthati Moshesh - An actress.
- Celeste Ntuli - A comedienne and actress.
- Black Coffee (DJ) - A famous DJ and music producer.
- Zakes Bantwini - An award-winning singer and producer.
- Sarah Richards - A sculptor.
- Schabir Shaik - A businessman.
- 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.
- Berry Bickle - An artist.
- Zwakele Mncwango - A politician.
- Babalo Madikizela - A politician.
- Mandisa Mashego - A politician.
Special Honorary Doctorates
DUT also gives special honorary doctorates to people who have made great contributions to society. This is a way to celebrate their achievements, even if they didn't study at DUT.
Here are some of the people who have received honorary doctorates from DUT:
- Mrs P Naidoo, April 2008
- Professor E J da Silva (posthumous), 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 (posthumous), April 2011
- Mr M L Sultan (posthumous), April 2011
- Mr R H L Strachan, April 2011
- Professor L Nkosi (posthumous), 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
