By Siphumelele Madide
High school learners who visited Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) City Campus recently say they are now considering professions they had never thought about because of their new exposure.
On Friday, 6 March 2025, forty Grade 9 learners from Mhawu and Nwabi High Schools in eNgonyameni spent the day with the Department of Screen Arts and the Media, Language & Communications’ Bachelor of Journalism programme.
“I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer, but after practicing as a news reader – I now want to be a journalist,” said Mhawu High School learner, Luyanda Chonco.
“I’m going to be a film producer and work behind the scenes of exciting new movies,” Nwabi High School learner, Amahle Gumede, said about her new direction.
The learners had a hands-on newsroom experience with guidance from final year journalism students. They also explored the art of filmmaking, video camera work and learnings about production techniques.
“As they prepare to choose their streams next year, we want to inspire them to make informed decisions and consider careers in the film industry,” said DUT’s Engagement Practitioner in the Vice Chancellor’s office, Phumzile Xulu.
Mhawu High School teacher, Miss Njapha, was happy about the learners’ enthusiasm about the visit. “As a product of DUT myself, I’d be thrilled if my learners were to become students here and reach their full potential,” she said.
This engagement has become an annual feature in the Screen Arts and Journalism programmes of DUT.
