Department of Horticulture - DUT

𝗗𝗨𝗧 𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗜 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗜𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧

The Department of Horticulture extends its sincere appreciation to the South African Landscapers Institute for the invaluable role it continues to play in the development of our students and the growth of the department.

SALI has been instrumental in facilitating Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements, ensuring that our students gain meaningful industry exposure and practical experience. Beyond WIL opportunities, SALI has also contributed significantly through bursary support, initially for WIL students and now for postgraduate students.

The SALI–DUT Horticulture partnership is built on a shared commitment to industry collaboration, professional development, and landscaping excellence. Through student training opportunities, industry engagement, professional networking, and ongoing support, SALI continues to help ensure that our graduates are equipped with the practical skills, industry knowledge, and professional connections needed to succeed in the green industry.

Strong partnerships such as these demonstrate the value of academia and industry working together to develop future-ready graduates and advance the horticulture profession.

SALI have been recognized by DUT Co-operative Education for commitment to placing students with members in meaningful work integrated learning opportunities.

By connecting students with industry professionals and real-world experience, SALI continues to invest in the future of the green industry, bridging the gap between education and the workplace while developing the next generation of skilled professionals.

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗚𝗢𝗚𝗢 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 – 𝟮𝟭 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗗𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘 💚🌷

Today, we proudly celebrate Auntie Nosipho Nokwindla, affectionately known as Gogo Goodness, as she marks over 20 years of dedicated service in the Department of Horticulture.

Since joining the department in February 2005, Gogo Goodness has been much more than a staff member. She has been a mother, sister, grandmother, and a source of warmth and encouragement to generations of students and colleagues.

Through her dedication to the upkeep of our nursery and her daily interactions with students, she has played an important role in supporting teaching, learning, and practical training. Over the past two decades, she has witnessed many chapters in the growth and evolution of the department and has seen countless students pass through our doors, many of whom have gone on to make meaningful contributions within the horticulture and green industries.

As one of the department’s longest-serving members, Gogo Goodness remains a cornerstone of our Horticulture family.

Reflecting on her journey, Gogo Goodness extends her sincere appreciation to the many students, staff members, and Heads of Department, past and present, who have been part of her journey over the years. She also expresses special gratitude to Dr Jonathan Foley, who appointed her to the department and believed in her potential from the very beginning.

🌱 Thank you, Gogo Goodness, for over 21 years of service, care, and commitment. Your contribution to the Department of Horticulture is deeply valued, and your legacy will continue to inspire generations of students and staff.

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗗𝗜𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗠𝗔 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 🌿🎓

The Department of Horticulture proudly congratulates 2026 Diploma students on successfully completing their qualification.

We sincerely appreciate your hard work, dedication, and resilience throughout your academic journey. As you step into the professional world, we believe in your potential to grow, innovate, and make a meaningful impact in the horticulture and green industry.

Please remember that your department will always remain a place of support, guidance, and continued connection as you progress in your careers.

🌱 Your journey continues. Your impact begins.

𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 ✨🌿

We have something quick to tell you, horticulturists are not boring!

As we work with plants, we also know how to show up with confidence, style, and excellence. Our horticulture students did exactly that during the 2026 graduation ceremonies, representing the department beautifully and proudly.

🌱 Style met science, and excellence showed up.

𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗕𝗜𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗬 🌿🌍

The Department of Horticulture joins the global community in observing the International Day for Biological Diversity, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity for healthy ecosystems, food security, and sustainable development.

Biological diversity underpins life on Earth; from soil organisms that support plant growth, to pollinators that ensure crop production, and ecosystems that regulate climate and water systems. As horticulturists, we recognise that our work is deeply connected to the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Through teaching, research, and community engagement, we continue to promote practices that support ecosystem health, indigenous plant conservation, and sustainable agricultural systems, in alignment with DUT ENVISION2030 and global sustainability goals.

🌱 Biodiversity is not just to be studied, it must be protected, restored, and sustained for future generations.

🌿 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗗 𝗗𝗜𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗠𝗔 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 🌿

Our Advanced Diploma graduates have successfully completed a rigorous programme that integrates theory, practical training, and applied research exposure, preparing them for real-world impact in horticulture.

From hydroponic systems to medicinal plants, propagation, postharvest physiology, and biostimulants, this cohort has engaged deeply with the science and practice of modern horticulture.

We are proud of these adaptive graduates, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and mindset to drive innovation and transformation in the sector.

🌱 Excellence achieved. Futures unlocked.

𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 – 𝗔 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗗 𝗗𝗘𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗠𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 🌿🎓✨

What is a graduation without staff being present to celebrate one of the most important milestones in our students’ academic journey?

The Department of Horticulture was once again well represented, standing alongside our graduates as they completed their studies and stepped into new professional pathways.

We extend sincere appreciation to all staff for their ongoing commitment to teaching, mentoring, and student success, which is clearly reflected in the achievements of our graduates.

As we celebrate this milestone, we also look ahead with pride to adaptive graduates, impactful research, stronger grant success, and increased publications, advancing both departmental and industry impact.

🌱 Here’s to growth, excellence, and continued success.

🎉🥂 Congratulations to the Class of 2025/2026!

🎓✨ The senior class set the tone for our department’s graduation celebrations!

Our Postgraduate Diploma students proudly crossed the stage, marking the completion of a programme that blends research excellence with strong industry readiness.

Congratulations to our senior graduates! We look forward to welcoming you back for your Master’s journey, where even greater impact in research awaits.

At the centre of horticultural advancement are women driving growth, innovation, and transformation.

🌱