The main function of the Communications Department is to ensure effective and focused communication, both within and outside the university community. The department strives to:

• Establish understanding
• Persuade
• Inform
• Influence attitude and,
• Bring about action
• Our approach to communication is twofold: internal and external communication.

Internal Communication

A DUT employee or student who is informed about his/her institution is automatically an ambassador and marketer for DUT. This can only be achieved by facilitating two-way communication between management, students and all employees, to ensure that everyone feels part of the university and its decision making, is well informed, understands the direction in which the university is going and is informed about his/her future and the future of the university. This will ensure that the messages conveyed will be consistent and in accordance with the goals and mission of DUT.

The role of the Communications Department is to ensure that mechanisms are in place so internal communication is effective. As such, the Communications Department:

• Communicates to internal audiences about DUT’s programmes, research, and activities of faculty and staff and students via media such as the ConDUiT, DUT Matters, the Website, Annual Report and other relevant media.
• Helps to ensure that all staff understand and share the vision and mission of DUT through its internal communication activities.
• Works closely with DUT’s Executive Management in planning the release of news and information to the DUT community.
• Manages DUT’s Website content in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

External Communication

The purpose of external communication in any organisation, and DUT in particular, is to ensure that all external stakeholders are informed of the activities within the university. As an institution of higher learning, DUT’s business is production and distribution of knowledge through teaching, learning and applied research.

In support of this function the role of the Communications Department is:

• To inform and influence the attitudes and perceptions of target audiences, such as the media, alumni and potential partners/linkages etc, through a planned programme of communication actions
• To secure and maintain the goodwill, understanding and support of these target audiences
• Develop and maintain a target audience database
• Ensure that DUT remains relevant to the community needs
• Produce and distribute information about DUT and its achievements
• Establish and maintain good media relations.

What services does the Communications Department provide?

• Monitors DUT coverage in the media
• Responds to media queries
• Develops media releases
• Facilitates the development of DUT publications
• Facilitates internal communication initiatives
• Updating the Website

 

Media Coverage

Do you have outstanding students or staff making waves in their fields or any positive DUT achievement/activity that you would like to broadcast to all and sundry?

Yes? Then contact the Media Office to write and issue press releases for you.

Submissions will be assessed for their newsworthiness. Our Media Officer will need at least one week to prepare and send out press releases in order to meet press deadlines. Relevant information needs to be included, as well as contact numbers to facilitate interviews with the media.

 

The College Lecture Programme

Role
The role of the College Lecture Programme (CLP) is to bring a new creatively democratic development to the university that mirrors everyday activities around the country. It is also a way of educating staff and students on issues, by bringing in experts from outside and within the university to discuss a variety of issues affecting the community.

Objectives
The broader objectives are the development of critical thought, debate, creativity and understanding, a broadening of horizons, countering negativity and prejudices and encouraging participation in diverse fora, all within a democratic context.

How it achieves this?
The programme achieves this with the input of all staff and students and in active participation with the multi-layered sectors of our society. It provides a respected platform for the unfolding of events and for the generation of follow up activities.

The CLP provides a platform for debates, lectures and presentations about a wide range of issues.

What to do?

• Departments, staff and students are welcome to introduce topics and guest speakers.
• They are invited to contact the Communications Manager, DoCA.
• The communications team will ensure that the CLP is advertised throughout the university, the community, and will invite the media.

In Dialogue
In Dialogue allows internal stakeholders to speak about different issues of importance at the university. The Vice-Chancellor has used this forum to discuss many pertinent issues, including the five pillars of Universities of Technology. While the CLP facilitates internal and external guest lectures, In Dialogue is aimed at creating dialogue at the university. It also serves to create a sense of unity and community spirit.

 

Contact Details:

Location: 1st Floor, Botanic Mansions
Steve Biko Campus

Administrative Assistant : Nkululeko Mbatha Tel: 031 373 2109 Email: nkululekom4@dut.ac.za Location: Botanic Mansions, 1st Floor Campus: Steve Biko Campus

 

Communications Manager: Noxolo Memela Tel: 031 373 2845 Fax: 031 373 2898 Email: noxolom@dut.ac.za Location: Botanic Mansions, 1st Floor Campus: Steve Biko Campus

 

Publications Officer: Waheeda Peters Tel: 031 373 2113 Fax: 031 373 2898 Email:  Waheedap@dut.ac.za Location: Botanic Mansions, 1st Floor Campus: Steve Biko Campus

 

Media Officer: Simangele Zuma Tel: 031 373 289 Fax: 031 373 2898 Email:  simangelez1@dut.ac.za Location: Botanic Mansions, 1st Floor Campus: Steve Biko Campus

 

Publications

The role of the Publications Office within DoCA is to ensure that DUT produces publications which promote staff and students’ accomplishments and position the university within the global context.

The purpose of such publications is to communicate to internal and external stakeholders to market, celebrate good practices and share information and experiences at DUT.

Publications produced by the Communications Office include:

• Internal newspapers/newsletters (The ConDUiT)
• Annual reports
• Internal and external brochures
• Magazines (distributed to Alumni, prospective students, current students, donors, companies and the general audience)
• Departmental brochures
• Recruitment material for students and faculty programmes

Publications should be dated correctly and content should correspond with the date. Each publication has a specific deadline by which items must be submitted. Details of the various deadlines are available from the Communications Department.

Requests for space/coverage in any internal publication should be made timeously.

Guidelines on whatever else needs to be included in the publication will be communicated via the Publications Officer.

Departments, staff and students requesting the services of the Publications Officer or those who require a publication should contact the department one month prior to the printing deadline via: