DUT Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

Happy Youth Day 🇿🇦

Today, we honour the courage, resilience and determination of the young people of 1976 whose sacrifices helped shape the South Africa we know today.

As the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, we celebrate the youth who continue to drive innovation, challenge boundaries and build a better future through education, leadership and creativity.

We encourage our students to embrace every opportunity to learn, grow and make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond. Your ideas, talents and aspirations are essential to shaping a sustainable and inclusive future.

Happy Youth Day to all our students, staff and the broader community.

As the semester draws to a close, the halls, laboratories and workshops of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment have become noticeably quieter.

Just a few weeks ago, our students were hard at work completing practical sessions, applying their knowledge, and preparing for their final assessments. Today, the equipment is packed away, the labs are at rest and another successful semester of learning, innovation and growth has come to an end.

As the University prepares for the mid-year recess from 19 June, we wish everyone a well-deserved break. Take time to rest, recharge and celebrate your achievements. We look forward to welcoming you back for another exciting semester of engineering, innovation and discovery.

SAICE Engagement Strengthens Industry-Academia Ties in the Faculty of EBE

The Department of Civil Engineering and Geomatics, within the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), hosted an engagement session with the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) at the Steve Biko Campus.

The event brought together students, faculty members and industry representatives to strengthen collaboration between academia and the professional engineering community. SAICE representatives outlined the institution’s role in supporting young engineers through mentorship, professional registration and exposure to industry networks.

A highlight of the engagement was a presentation by Nombulelo Zuma, a registered technologist at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, who represented the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). Her presentation provided a comprehensive overview of the professional registration process, covering eligibility requirements, registration categories, and level descriptors by category. She explained expectations from candidates, outlined the registration process and detailed the key ECSA registration documents required.

Zuma further guided students through the preparation of training and experience reports, engineering report requirements, and competency outcomes. She emphasized the importance of demonstrating the appropriate degree of responsibility and highlighted what assessors look for during evaluations. The presentation also included an overview of the professional review process and common reasons for failure, offering students practical advice on how to avoid pitfalls and strengthen their applications.

Students were encouraged to participate in SAICE programmes that provide opportunities for career growth, technical training, and leadership development. The session emphasized the importance of professional ethics and innovation in addressing South Africa’s infrastructure challenges.

Faculty leadership reaffirmed DUT’s commitment to producing graduates who are academically strong and industry ready. The collaboration with SAICE, enriched by ECSA’s perspective, was described as a vital step in ensuring that students gain practical insights and remain aligned with evolving industry standards.

The engagement concluded with a call to action for students to embrace professional development early in their careers. Both DUT and SAICE expressed optimism about future partnerships that will enhance research, innovation and the employability of graduates in civil engineering and geomatics.

3rd Year and Honours Students- This One is for You!

The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment invites you to attend the Reorientation & Industry Engagement Session on 23 July 2026 at Ritson Hall.

Connect with industry professionals, gain valuable career insights and learn what employers expect from future graduates.

This session is an excellent opportunity to network, ask questions and prepare for the next stage of your academic and professional journey.

Date: 23 July 2026
Time: 08:30
Venue: Ritson Hall
RSVP Link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=0TAZS_QStUC0jL2GEXQp2MIza5vNAL9DjEGIYgZJE8VUMTlCWEpJMklOMlJTWVFPR01MMlFWQzA4WC4u&route=shorturl

We look forward to seeing you there!

DUT Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment Strengthens Research and Innovation at Faculty Board Engagement with DVC RIE

The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment hosted a strategic Faculty Board engagement with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement (RIE) on 10 June 2026 at the Steve Biko Campus, bringing together academics, researchers and postgraduate students for a robust discussion on advancing the faculty’s research and innovation agenda.

The engagement formed part of the university’s broader commitment to strengthening research excellence, innovation capacity and postgraduate development across its academic communities. It also created a platform for meaningful dialogue around research performance, intellectual property, innovation support and collaborative opportunities within the faculty.

Opening the session, Professor Molusiwa Ramabodu, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, welcomed attendees and outlined the objectives of the engagement. He emphasized the critical role of research-led innovation in addressing societal and industry challenges while positioning the faculty as a contributor to sustainable development and technological advancement. Professor Ramabodu further reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to nurturing emerging researchers and postgraduate talent in alignment with DUT’s strategic vision.

Dr Nomcebo Mthombeni, Interim Director of Research and Postgraduate Support, provided an overview of the faculty’s research performance, highlighting research output units, postgraduate enrolment figures and key research focus areas within the faculty. She also shared valuable insights into postgraduate support mechanisms, funding opportunities and initiatives aimed at strengthening student success and research productivity.

Addressing innovation and commercialisation, Dr Pinkie Ntola from Technology Transfer and Innovation presented on the importance of strengthening intellectual property within the university environment. Her presentation outlined DUT’s intellectual property portfolio and unpacked the institution’s in-house funding opportunities designed to support innovation development, technology transfer and commercialisation initiatives among staff and students.

Delivering the keynote engagement, Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement, reflected on DUT’s research trajectory and institutional impact through the presentation of the university’s VITAL statistics and broader research indicators.

The engagement concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, where participants engaged on matters relating to research funding, postgraduate supervision, publication outputs and strengthening partnerships with industry and external stakeholders.

In his closing remarks, Professor Ramabodu reiterated the significance of continued engagements between faculty leadership and the RIE portfolio, noting that such platforms are essential in fostering innovation, strengthening research capacity and preparing academics and students to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s knowledge economy.

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📢 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE), in collaboration with the Department of Industrial Engineering, invites staff, students and industry stakeholders to a special guest lecture presented by Prof Joachim A. Günther from the Munich University of Applied Sciences, Germany.

The lecture, titled “Systematic Product Development and Commercialisation,” will explore how research outputs and student projects can be transformed into practical prototypes with commercialisation potential, bridging the gap between innovation, industry application and real-world impact.

🗓️ Date: 12 June 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00

RSVP Link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=0TAZS_QStUC0jL2GEXQp2B7xFdxc-eRLr11d1OtS_55UMkhHSFVONFQwVlg4SzNRODEwWldWR1lYOC4u

This engagement forms part of DUT's commitment to innovation-driven education, global academic collaboration and producing industry-ready graduates in line with the University's strategy.

Groundbreakers Uncovered: Faculty of EBE alumni spotlight: Thabani Samuel Mchunu

For Samuel Mchunu, graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering from the Durban University of Technology is far more than an academic achievement. It is a story of perseverance, sacrifice, personal growth and hope for a brighter future.

Raised in Bhamshela after beginning his schooling at Mathafeni Primary School in eFaye and later attending Siyaphumala High School, Samuel’s journey to graduation reflects the determination of a young man committed to changing his circumstances through education.

Watch: https://youtu.be/fDYMsWsTJQo?si=A-XKAACZ_vUinWqB

Groundbreakers Uncovered: Faculty of EBE alumni spotlight: Thabani Samuel Mchunu For Samuel Mchunu, graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering Techno...

A new generation of academics is introducing innovative and thought-provoking teaching approaches that are shaping the future of higher education. Ms Neliswa Mncube, a DUT Class of 2019 alumna, PhD candidate in Construction Management, Contract Lecturer, and Candidate Quantity Surveyor within the Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying at the Durban University of Technology, recently hosted an engaging and interactive student debate as part of the Advanced Construction Law & Arbitration module on 12 May 2026. The initiative formed part of an innovative teaching and learning approach aimed at strengthening students’ critical thinking, communication, analytical reasoning, and applied understanding of construction law within the built environment sector.

Read more:

DUT STUDENTS ENGAGE IN INNOVATIVE CONSTRUCTION LAW AND ARBITRATION DEBATE TO BRIDGE THEORY AND INDUSTRY PRACTICE A new generation of academics is introducing innovative and thought-provoking teaching approaches that are shaping the future of higher education. Ms Neliswa Mncube, a DUT Class of 2019 alumna, PhD candidate in Construction Management, Contract Lecturer, and Candidate Quantity Surveyor within the De

DUT Faculty of EBE Champions Youth Empowerment at eThekwini Employability Indaba

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment played a significant role at the eThekwini Youth Employability Indaba, hosted at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 28 and 29 May 2026. The two-day event brought together government, academia, industry leaders, and learners in a collaborative effort to address youth unemployment and create pathways towards meaningful employment opportunities.

The programme officially commenced with a welcoming address by Sihle Mkhize, Acting Executive Director of Corporate Services at the eThekwini Municipality, who highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, higher education institutions and industry in preparing young people for the workplace. On the second day, Professor Mpilo Ngubane, Director at eThekwini Municipality, reinforced the need for strategic partnerships to tackle the challenges faced by unemployed youth across the region.

Representing DUT, Alex Mdletshe, Manager in the Student Recruitment Department, delivered an address outlining the university’s commitment to equipping graduates with both technical expertise and practical skills. He emphasized the importance of innovation, industry partnerships and career-focused education in ensuring that students remain competitive and employable in an evolving economy.

Throughout the Indaba, the Faculty of EBE showcased its diverse academic programmes and initiatives, engaging directly with learners and attendees on career opportunities within engineering, construction and related built environment disciplines. The exhibition provided learners with valuable guidance on study pathways, subject choices and the skills required to succeed in industries that contribute significantly to South Africa’s infrastructure and economic development.

Learners from schools including Sithandimfundo Secondary School, Phoenix Secondary School, Dabeka High School, Vumelethu Secondary School, Dassenhoek High School, Folweni High School, Zwelibanzi High School, KwaMakhutha High School, Zwelethu High School and Vikingozi Secondary School actively interacted with exhibitors throughout the event. These engagements enabled learners to gain insight into higher education opportunities and better understand the connection between academic qualifications and future employability.

The Indaba was sponsored by the eThekwini Municipal Academy, whose support enabled stakeholders from various sectors to come together in advancing youth empowerment initiatives. Organisations such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Sasol and the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) also participated, further strengthening collaborative efforts aimed at addressing youth unemployment and skills development.

The event also featured an address by eThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, who reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to supporting programmes that create opportunities for young people to access education, skills development and employment. He commended institutions such as DUT for their continued contribution towards preparing youth to thrive in a rapidly changing world of work.

Groundbreakers Uncovered: Faculty of EBE alumni spotlight: Dr Nomihla Wandile Ndlela

From a rural community with limited access to electricity to earning a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Dr Nomihla Ndlela's journey is a testament to resilience, determination and the transformative power of education.

A lecturer in the Electrical Engineering Department at Durban University of Technology in the Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Dr Ndlela's doctoral research focused on advancing the integration of renewable energy sources into power systems through innovative transmission expansion planning and optimisation techniques.

Her work contributes to the development of sustainable, reliable and accessible electricity networks for the future.

Balancing the demands of doctoral studies, academia and motherhood, she remained committed to her goal while continuing to mentor and inspire others through her leadership role in Women in Engineering and the Built Environment (WEBE).

Her achievement reflects not only academic excellence but also a deep commitment to serving communities and shaping the next generation of engineers.

Watch:

Groundbreakers Uncovered: Faculty of EBE alumni spotlight: Dr Nomihla Wandile Ndlela Dr Nomihla Ndlela’s Inspiring Journey Shows How Education Can Trans...