DUT has once again demonstrated its growing global footprint with 13 of their students from the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics competing in the 2025 BRICS Vocational Skills China International Finals at Guangdong Construction Polytechnic in Guangdong, China.

Representing SA in the Data Analysis and Visualisation category, the students, accompanied by two staff mentors, embarked on a five-day competition featuring 137 participants from seven BRICS+ countries. The event focused on data-driven innovation across key sectors, including high-end manufacturing, the digital economy, new industries and emerging technologies.

“This milestone underscored the institution’s dedication to promoting international learning, cross-cultural collaboration and global engagement. It reflected DUT’s broader vision of producing adaptive graduates who meet globally recognised standards of excellence,” said DUT spokesperson Alan Khan.

According to DUT mentor Ugeshni Moodley, the competition required students to complete a rigorous set of tasks covering Data Acquisition and Processing, Data Presentation and Sharing, Data Development and Application, and a final Project Presentation. “The team went through an intense week of boot camp training on top of a month-long preparation with their mentors,” said Moodley.

Also Read: DUT students win international award in innovation

Their hard work paid off as DUT celebrated an impressive achievement with postgraduate student Qiniso Mthethwa securing the silver medal for SA after earning the highest score among all foreign participants. In addition to this accomplishment, all 13 DUT students received certificate awards: one first prize certificate, three second prize certificates and nine third prize certificates.

The recognition extended beyond the student competitors. At the awards ceremony, Moodley was invited to serve as a representative for international participants at the opening ceremony and was honoured at the closing ceremony with the “Excellent Guidance Expert” certificate, acknowledging her exceptional mentorship and leadership throughout the competition.

Following the event, the DUT delegation visited various vocational colleges in China, taking part in cultural exchanges and exploring advanced technologies showcased at institutions such as the World Skills Training Base, the LUBAN Museum and an automotive research institute.

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