DUT Centre for Excellence in Learning & Teaching

Advancing student success across campuses through meaningful engagement and continuous development 📚✨

The Mainstream Tutor, Mentor and Online Tutorship Training was successfully hosted for both PMB and Durban tutors on 13–14 April 2026 at Elangeni and Anew Hotels.
Bringing together dedicated tutors, the sessions explored the science of tutoring, effective student engagement strategies, and approaches to monitoring and evaluation, reinforcing a shared commitment to holistic student success.

Day 2 of the SATAP Diagnostic Testing Workshop focuses on the deep analysis, interpretation and application of student performance data, building on the insights generated from Day 1 engagements.

The programme centres on cohort analysis, where different groups examine student datasets to identify performance trends, learning gaps and areas requiring targeted intervention. Through structured, evidence-based discussions, teams are engaging with key questions around student competencies and academic risk, supported by data analysis tools and visualisation techniques.

The day will further progress into report writing and the development of intervention strategies, translating diagnostic findings into practical academic support initiatives. Emphasis is placed on aligning data-driven insights with teaching practices, curriculum responsiveness, and institutional support mechanisms.

This process reinforces a shared commitment to enhancing student success through informed, strategic and actionable approaches.

3CELT

The SATAP Diagnostic Testing Workshop is currently underway at Karridene Hotel, bringing together academic and support staff for critical engagement on student access, placement and success.

Day 1 is dedicated to diagnostic testing, with a focused exploration of the Standardised Academic Tests for Access and Placement (SATAP), their purpose and their application within the institution. These assessments serve a dual role as entry-level instruments for university admission and as diagnostic tools used to assess student readiness and identify learning gaps.

Today’s programme includes an overview of SATAP, an in-depth exploration of individual tests, analysis of test items, and a review of 2026 student performance data. These engagements aim to strengthen a shared, evidence-based understanding of student preparedness and inform targeted academic interventions and support strategies.

NGAP Capacity Workshop

The Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, successfully hosted a thought-provoking workshop on The Nexus between Decolonisation & Entrepreneurship in Higher Education on the 11th of March 2026.

The session brought together diverse voices to challenge conventional approaches, center African knowledge systems and explore practical ways to reimagine entrepreneurship education in a socially responsive and inclusive way.

💡 Meaningful conversations. Shared insights. A collective commitment to change.

DAY 3 | LTRIE Conference 2025

Vice Chancellor Professor Thandwa Mthembu welcomed the Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of South Africa Professor Puleng LenkaBula (UNISA).

The third day of the Learning, Teaching, Research and Innovation for Engagement (LTRIE) Conference began on a powerful note with an inspiring keynote address by Professor LenkaBula.

In her thought-provoking presentation titled “Propelling Universities as Sites of Transformation and Societal Change,” Professor LenkaBula challenged higher education institutions to embrace their transformative mandate not only as spaces of knowledge creation but as catalysts for justice, inclusion, and community empowerment.

Her message resonated deeply with the conference theme, reminding us that universities must reimagine themselves as living systems that nurture innovation, ethical leadership, and collective responsibility for a better future.

Delegates left the session inspired and motivated to lead change within their own academic spaces, bridging the gap between teaching, research and community engagement.

DAY 2- HIGHLIGHTS

Day 2 of the Learning, Teaching, Research and Innovation for Engagement Conference was filled with meaningful dialogue, collaboration and innovative thinking!

The day began with insightful opening remarks by Dr Nomcebo Mtombeni, followed by a dynamic panel discussion on “Reframing Student Success” featuring DUT executives and academic leaders who explored holistic strategies to empower students.

Delegates were inspired by the keynote address by Mr Steve Farr from the Alliance of Guangzhou International Sister-City Universities, who shared global perspectives on transforming education, research, and innovation through international collaboration. 🌐

The afternoon featured thought-provoking African Fire sessions and workshops, where participants discussed entrepreneurship, transformative pedagogies, research for societal transformation, and the role of technology and AI in higher education.

The day closed with engaging networking sessions and shared reflections that strengthened partnerships and inspired future action.

✨ A Day of ideas, innovation, and impact — setting the tone for another transformative day ahead!

Day 1 - Paper Presentations

DAY 1 - Keynote Addresses
Delegates were captivated by powerful keynote addresses that set the tone for the days ahead.
Professor Emmanuel Mgqwashu from the University of KwaZulu-Natal shared thought-provoking perspectives on Research-Led Community Engagement for Enhancing Innovation in Teaching and Learning, highlighting the importance of collaboration and relevance in higher education.

Following that, Professor Michael Twum-Darko from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology delivered an engaging address on Entreprenetics: Transforming Research and Innovation for Commercialisation, challenging us to reimagine how academic research can impact industry and society.

These sessions have truly ignited reflection, conversation, and purpose, a reminder of why we gather under the banner of learning, teaching, research, and innovation for engagement.

The session concluded with an inspiring Lead Talk by Professor Nyna Amin from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, who unpacked Innovation at the Nexus: Where Learning, Research, and Engagement Meet. Her thought-provoking insights reminded us of the power of collaboration in shaping transformative, inclusive and future-focused education.

Delegates then enjoyed a well-deserved lunch break, filled with rich conversations, networking, and shared reflections on the impactful sessions.

As we head into the afternoon’s critical dialogues and workshops, the atmosphere remains one of curiosity, innovation, and community. Here’s to continued learning and co-creation!

Welcome to the 2025 Learning, Teaching, Research, and Innovation for Engagement (LTRIE) Conference!

We’re thrilled to officially open the doors to this year’s conference! Delegates are arriving and registration is in full swing this morning.

Our journey begins today, Monday, 27 October 2025, with an exciting programme led by Programme Director Mr Zwakele Ngubane, featuring inspiring keynote speakers including Professor Vusi Gumede, Dr Shoba Rathilal.

We look forward to engaging discussions, transformative ideas and meaningful networking as we explore the theme of Research-Led Community Engagement for Enhancing Innovation in Teaching and Learning.

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Let the conversations begin — welcome to a week of knowledge, creativity, and collaboration!