DUT Faculty of Applied Sciences

She’s not waiting for the future. She’s creating it. 🔬💅🏽💜 Bafazi…It’s our turn!

May you continue to grow, bloom and make an impact wherever you go. 🌸💜

Happy Women’s Day from the Faculty of Applied Sciences. ✨

DUT Science Show Sparks STEM Curiosity at Port Shepstone High School

The excitement of science filled the halls of Port Shepstone High School on 6 August 2026 as learners were given an opportunity to experience Mathematics, Chemistry and Maritime Studies beyond the traditional classroom.

Hosted by the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Student Recruitment Office in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, the DUT Science Show 2026 brought together learners and educators for a day of interactive demonstrations, career conversations and activities designed to encourage young people to consider careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The Faculty of Applied Sciences was among the DUT faculties that contributed to the programme, using the opportunity to showcase its academic offerings and give learners a closer look at the people, subjects and career opportunities behind the disciplines.

Representing the Department of Maritime Studies was third-year student Naledi Maphumulo, who shared her own experience as a student leader and spoke to learners about the possibilities within the shipping and maritime industry.

Her presentation gave learners a glimpse into a field that extends far beyond what many may traditionally associate with university studies, highlighting the range of opportunities available to those interested in becoming future seafarers and pursuing careers within the maritime sector.

The excitement continued with Master’s Chemistry student Slungile Makhathini, who brought chemistry to life through an engaging elephant toothpaste demonstration. Learners watched scientific principles unfold before them before taking part in chemistry mixing activities and interactive quizzes.

The Mathematics Department also kept learners engaged with a scientific showstopper led by Professor Meagan, followed by mathematics tests and quizzes facilitated by Professor Deonarain Brijlall. The activities encouraged learners to think critically, test their knowledge and engage with mathematics in a way that was both educational and enjoyable.

While the academics and students brought the disciplines to life, the Faculty Marketing Team focused on another important part of the day, helping learners connect what they were experiencing to possible study and career choices.

The team engaged directly with learners about the programmes offered by the Faculty of Applied Sciences, providing information about the different fields of study and the career opportunities they can lead to. Learners were also assisted with guidance around the Central Applications Office (CAO) application process, giving prospective students practical support as they begin considering their options for tertiary education.

For Grade 9 learners, the Science Show came at an important stage as they prepare to make subject choices that can influence their future study options. For Grade 12 learners, it provided an opportunity to explore tertiary study and consider how their current subjects could connect to future careers.

The event therefore served a purpose beyond the excitement of experiments and quizzes. It created a direct connection between school learners and the world of higher education, while allowing DUT to demonstrate the range of opportunities available within its faculties.

For the Faculty of Applied Sciences, the day was an opportunity to Educate. Innovate. Engage., while showing learners that STEM careers can take many different forms.

From the chemistry laboratory to the mathematics classroom and the global maritime industry, the message from DUT was clear: curiosity can be the beginning of a career, and there are many possibilities waiting to be explored.

The future scientists of KwaZulu-Natal may have walked into the Science Show as learners, but they left with new questions, new possibilities and a clearer view of where science could take them.

📸 Nompumelelo Mpungose

Winter School things 😉💜

Taking STEM beyond the classroom and into marginalised communities! 🧬🔬📐 The Mathematics Department recently took career guidance, interactive science demonstrations and university application information to learners in Mpumalanga.

Creating access, sparking curiosity and inspiring the next generation of scientists and mathematicians.

A huge shoutout to Dr Mthobisi Ntuli, Dr Vusi Zitha, Dr Sifiso Ngubelanga and Dr Nkululeko Mazibuko for taking STEM beyond the lecture halls and into communities where access to information can make a real difference. 💜

🌍⚛️ When global minds meet, new ideas emerge.

The Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Applied Sciences at DUT, welcomed distinguished international scholar Professor Abhay Saxena from Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar, India, for an insightful academic engagement exploring the fascinating world of quantum science, frontier technologies and human consciousness.

Professor Saxena, Dean of the School of Technology, Management & Communication and Head of the Department of Computer Science, shared perspectives on The Quantum and Spiritual Well-being: Navigating the Convergence of Physics, Frontier Technologies, and Ancient Wisdom in the 21st Century.

📍 Venue: Rendezvous Restaurant
📅 Date: 4 August 2026

A meaningful exchange of knowledge, research and global perspectives as DUT continues to strengthen international academic collaboration.

📖 Full story coming soon on the DUT website.

🌱 67 minutes. Lasting impact.

This Mandela Day, the Durban University of Technology’s Faculty of Applied Sciences, proudly supported by Unilever, joined hands with uMlazi Comtech High School to invest in a more sustainable future.

From establishing a vegetable garden to sharing practical knowledge on nutrition and sustainability, the initiative reflected the true spirit of Mandela Day by creating meaningful change that will benefit the school community for years to come.

Thank you to our partner, Unilever, and everyone who contributed their time, resources, and passion to make this initiative a success.

Read the full story here:

https://www.dut.ac.za/faculty-of-applied-sciences-plants-seeds-for-a-sustainable-future-at-umlazi-comtech/

🎓 Celebrating Excellence, Achievement and New Beginnings!

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is proud to share the latest edition of our Autumn Graduation Newsletter, celebrating the remarkable achievements, inspiring stories, and memorable moments from our 2026 Autumn Graduation season.

From academic milestones to the journeys of our graduates, this edition captures the pride, passion, and success that define our Faculty community.

Read the full newsletter here:

https://www.dut.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/FAS-Autumn-Grad-2026-Publication.pdf

Join us in celebrating our graduates and their achievements. 🎓✨

🌊 Setting Sail for Semester 2! 🚢⚓

The Department of Maritime Studies warmly welcomed first year students in Nautical Studies and Shipping & Logistics during a two day orientation at DUT’s Steve Biko Campus on 20 and 21 July 2026.

Executive Dean Prof Suren Singh and HOD Dr Michael Manqele led the welcome as we prepare our future maritime leaders for the Blue Ocean Economy. Because, as we know, no ship sails without a crew! 🎓✨😉

📸 Nompumelelo Mpungose