Department of Horticulture - DUT

🌿 𝗗𝗨𝗧 𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗜𝗖 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

The Department of Horticulture was once again proudly represented at the 2026 South African Green Industries Council (SAGIC) Convention, held at the Riverside Sun in Gauteng.

Participation in key industry gatherings such as SAGIC provides valuable opportunities for DUT, in line with ENVISION2030, to engage with industry leaders, strengthen strategic partnerships, and gain insight into emerging trends shaping the green industry. These engagements are essential in ensuring that our programmes remain relevant, responsive, and aligned with industry needs.

The relationships fostered through platforms such as SAGIC contribute significantly to Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements, student bursaries, industry-linked capacity-building initiatives, collaborative projects, and curriculum enhancement—all of which support student success and graduate employability.

A key highlight of the convention was the continued engagement with our alumni and former staff, who remain active in supporting student training, industry exposure, and development opportunities while proudly flying the DUT flag high.

We value the continued collaboration between academia and industry as we work together to strengthen the horticulture profession and create opportunities for current and future students.

Special appreciation to Mr Dhiren Govender, our WIL Coordinator, for representing the department and advancing our engagement with industry stakeholders.

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗡, 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗙. 𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗡 𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗛

The Department of Horticulture extends its heartfelt congratulations to Prof Suren Singh on this remarkable recognition.

Prof. Singh continues to lead by example. Beyond his achievements as a researcher, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing research, innovation, and academic excellence within the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

We celebrate this well-deserved recognition and thank Prof. Singh for his dedication, vision, and leadership.

𝗗𝗨𝗧 𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗜 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗜𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧

The Department of Horticulture extends its sincere appreciation to the South African Landscapers Institute for the invaluable role it continues to play in the development of our students and the growth of the department.

SALI has been instrumental in facilitating Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements, ensuring that our students gain meaningful industry exposure and practical experience. Beyond WIL opportunities, SALI has also contributed significantly through bursary support, initially for WIL students and now for postgraduate students.

The SALI–DUT Horticulture partnership is built on a shared commitment to industry collaboration, professional development, and landscaping excellence. Through student training opportunities, industry engagement, professional networking, and ongoing support, SALI continues to help ensure that our graduates are equipped with the practical skills, industry knowledge, and professional connections needed to succeed in the green industry.

Strong partnerships such as these demonstrate the value of academia and industry working together to develop future-ready graduates and advance the horticulture profession.

SALI have been recognized by DUT Co-operative Education for commitment to placing students with members in meaningful work integrated learning opportunities.

By connecting students with industry professionals and real-world experience, SALI continues to invest in the future of the green industry, bridging the gap between education and the workplace while developing the next generation of skilled professionals.

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗚𝗢𝗚𝗢 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 – 𝟮𝟭 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗗𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘 💚🌷

Today, we proudly celebrate Auntie Nosipho Nokwindla, affectionately known as Gogo Goodness, as she marks over 20 years of dedicated service in the Department of Horticulture.

Since joining the department in February 2005, Gogo Goodness has been much more than a staff member. She has been a mother, sister, grandmother, and a source of warmth and encouragement to generations of students and colleagues.

Through her dedication to the upkeep of our nursery and her daily interactions with students, she has played an important role in supporting teaching, learning, and practical training. Over the past two decades, she has witnessed many chapters in the growth and evolution of the department and has seen countless students pass through our doors, many of whom have gone on to make meaningful contributions within the horticulture and green industries.

As one of the department’s longest-serving members, Gogo Goodness remains a cornerstone of our Horticulture family.

Reflecting on her journey, Gogo Goodness extends her sincere appreciation to the many students, staff members, and Heads of Department, past and present, who have been part of her journey over the years. She also expresses special gratitude to Dr Jonathan Foley, who appointed her to the department and believed in her potential from the very beginning.

🌱 Thank you, Gogo Goodness, for over 21 years of service, care, and commitment. Your contribution to the Department of Horticulture is deeply valued, and your legacy will continue to inspire generations of students and staff.

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗗𝗜𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗠𝗔 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 🌿🎓

The Department of Horticulture proudly congratulates 2026 Diploma students on successfully completing their qualification.

We sincerely appreciate your hard work, dedication, and resilience throughout your academic journey. As you step into the professional world, we believe in your potential to grow, innovate, and make a meaningful impact in the horticulture and green industry.

Please remember that your department will always remain a place of support, guidance, and continued connection as you progress in your careers.

🌱 Your journey continues. Your impact begins.

𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 ✨🌿

We have something quick to tell you, horticulturists are not boring!

As we work with plants, we also know how to show up with confidence, style, and excellence. Our horticulture students did exactly that during the 2026 graduation ceremonies, representing the department beautifully and proudly.

🌱 Style met science, and excellence showed up.

𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗕𝗜𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗬 🌿🌍

The Department of Horticulture joins the global community in observing the International Day for Biological Diversity, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity for healthy ecosystems, food security, and sustainable development.

Biological diversity underpins life on Earth; from soil organisms that support plant growth, to pollinators that ensure crop production, and ecosystems that regulate climate and water systems. As horticulturists, we recognise that our work is deeply connected to the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Through teaching, research, and community engagement, we continue to promote practices that support ecosystem health, indigenous plant conservation, and sustainable agricultural systems, in alignment with DUT ENVISION2030 and global sustainability goals.

🌱 Biodiversity is not just to be studied, it must be protected, restored, and sustained for future generations.

🌿 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗗 𝗗𝗜𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗠𝗔 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 🌿

Our Advanced Diploma graduates have successfully completed a rigorous programme that integrates theory, practical training, and applied research exposure, preparing them for real-world impact in horticulture.

From hydroponic systems to medicinal plants, propagation, postharvest physiology, and biostimulants, this cohort has engaged deeply with the science and practice of modern horticulture.

We are proud of these adaptive graduates, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and mindset to drive innovation and transformation in the sector.

🌱 Excellence achieved. Futures unlocked.