Department of Horticulture - DUT

15/10/2026

𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗙𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗜𝗡 𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘!

Good news, future DUT students! The Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS) has extended CAO applications for selected programmes until 31 October 2026.

Interested in studying Horticulture at Durban University of Technology (DUT)? This is your opportunity to take the next step towards a career in plant science, environmental management, and the green industry.

📌 Check the attached posters for available programmes, minimum entry requirements, and CAO codes.

⏳ Don't miss the extended deadline — apply before 31 October 2026!

15/10/2026

15/10/2026

DUT Horticulture in Action at Unilever! 🌿

A special appreciation to our dedicated staff members who consistently ensure that DUT Horticulture is well represented at industry events.

15/10/2026

Beautiful moments worth celebrating and reflecting on! Three of our very own staff members graduating is a proud moment for the DUT Horticulture family.

We celebrate not only their achievements but also the growth, dedication, and success that bring us together.

15/10/2026

𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗚𝗥𝗜-𝗣𝗩 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗡𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗦

The Department of Horticulture at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted Prof. Stephan Meyerding from the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW Hamburg), Germany, for a guest lecture titled “Harvesting Sunlight: Entrepreneurial Views on Agri-PV Greenhouses.”

The lecture highlighted ongoing research in Germany exploring farmers’ perceptions of integrating photovoltaic (PV) systems into agricultural greenhouses. As controlled-environment agriculture becomes increasingly energy-intensive, Agri-PV presents an opportunity to generate renewable electricity while supporting more sustainable production systems. At the same time, integrating PV technology into greenhouses requires careful consideration of light availability, crop growth, and productivity.

The research provides valuable insights into the opportunities, challenges, and factors influencing the adoption of Agri-PV greenhouse systems.

Beyond the lecture, the engagement created a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and potential research collaboration between HAW Hamburg and DUT. Such international engagements strengthen our commitment to advancing innovative solutions at the intersection of horticulture, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture, particularly as South Africa explores the future of controlled-environment production.

"

10/10/2026

𝗗𝗨𝗧 𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 🌱

The Department of Horticulture came together for a team-building experience focused on strengthening relationships, fostering teamwork, and creating space for staff to connect beyond their everyday responsibilities.

As we work together in teaching, research, and community engagement, these moments remind us that our collective success depends on mutual support, open communication, and a shared commitment to excellence.

🌱 Stronger connections. Shared purpose. Growing together.

08/10/2026

🌱𝗗𝗨𝗧 𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗕𝗢𝗔𝗥𝗗

The Department of Horticulture recently convened its 2026 Advisory Board, bringing together industry partners and stakeholders to strengthen the connection between horticultural education and the world of work.

As a biannual platform for engagement, the Advisory Board provides an opportunity to reflect on student training, curriculum relevance, graduate skills, and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), while considering the changing needs of the horticultural industry.

The insights and expertise shared by our industry partners help the Department ensure that students are exposed to relevant knowledge, practical experience, and skills that support their transition into the workplace.

We sincerely appreciate our Advisory Board members and industry partners for their continued engagement and contribution to the development of our students and programme.

🌱 Together, we are strengthening industry-connected education and growing the next generation of horticultural professionals.

07/10/2026

The Department of Horticulture proudly welcomed Ms Nonjabulo Dlamini Sibalikhulu, a Forester at Sappi and DUT alumna (2015), as a guest lecturer for our second-year Plant Studies module, with a focus on arboriculture.

Passionate about youth empowerment and mentorship, Ms Dlamini brought valuable industry experience into the classroom, sharing practical insights into tree management and connecting theoretical concepts with her day-to-day work as a forester.

The session also exposed students to career pathways in arboriculture and forestry, helping them see how their academic knowledge can translate into meaningful professional opportunities.

We are proud to see our alumni returning to DUT to share their knowledge, mentor the next generation, and contribute to student development. These engagements strengthen the connection between classroom learning and industry practice, supporting our commitment to research-driven, innovative, and industry-relevant education.

We sincerely appreciate Ms Dlamini for giving back to her alma mater and investing in the next generation of horticulture and forestry professionals.

🌱 We also invite industry partners and DUT alumni to collaborate with us through mentorship, work-integrated learning, research, and other opportunities that connect our students with the world of work.

05/10/2026

🌱𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗬 𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗩𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 🏆

We proudly celebrate Dr Joseph Malele, Lecturer in the Department of Horticulture, on receiving the TIA–IPUF Oswald Makunga Innovation Award at the IPUF Conference 2026, held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

The award recognises exceptional innovation in indigenous plant-use research, with emphasis on scientific value, industrial application, commercial potential, and social impact.

Dr Malele’s research focuses on improving the propagation of indigenous plant species through innovative production technologies, including controlled lighting. His work demonstrates how plant science can contribute to reliable, scalable, and commercially relevant production systems. Research on species such as Hypoxis hemerocallidea is being advanced in collaboration with industry partner Dr Phyto Medicinal Plants, strengthening the connection between research, innovation, and industry application.

At DUT Horticulture, we believe that research should not only generate knowledge but also drive innovation, create industry opportunities, and translate into solutions with real-world impact.

Congratulations, Dr Malele, on this well-deserved recognition of research excellence and innovation!

From indigenous plant knowledge to innovative solutions. From research to industry.

24/09/2026

🎓🌿 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗢𝗪𝗡 – 𝗠𝗦 𝗦𝗣𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗟𝗘 𝗠𝗛𝗟𝗢𝗣𝗛𝗘 🎓🌿

The Department of Horticulture proudly celebrates Ms Sphelele Mhlophe, our Secretary, on earning her Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration. 🎓

Ms Mhlophe has been part of the Department of Horticulture since June 2018, providing essential administrative and operational support that contributes to the smooth functioning of our department and the academic success of our staff and students.

Her journey at DUT began in 2016 as a part-time Administrative Assistant in the Department of Public Relations before joining Horticulture. Her continued professional development reflects a commitment to growth, excellence, and lifelong learning.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate this achievement with her and recognise the dedication, perseverance, and commitment to growth that made it possible.

Congratulations, Ms Mhlophe! Your achievement is a proud moment for you and a celebration for the entire Horticulture family.