The Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently approved the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework. The five values are identified as transparency, honesty, integrity, respect and accountability. The principles espoused are fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion and excellence. DUT’s Communications team, Nomvelo Zulu spoke to Nonhlanhla Nyandeni; Engagement Administrator under the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement (DVC: RIE).

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I am the Engagement Administrator, and I offer support to the Engagement office under the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement (DVC: RIE), DUT staff and students on the engagement administrative activities and issues.”

Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I joined DUT in May 2021.”

Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “I associate and resonate more with Compassion. The kind of work I am involved in requires one to understand and empathise with the sometimes harsh reality and inequalities faced by marginalised groups in our societies – and thereafter, be willing to support and help. I especially empathise and can relate to the poor conditions of the schools and the wonderful learners who participate in our programmes.”

Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.
A: “I believe the tagline embodies exactly what DUT is all about. I see this from all DUT staff, students, and alumni who initiate and support creative and impactful engagement projects and who show a great sense of being engaged citizens.”

Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “By living the values and bringing them to life daily. Use all opportunities to discuss the Framework with my colleagues, reflect and remind myself of the values. I will attend webinars on the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework.”

Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “I have faith in the youth of South Africa, they have the ability to come up with innovative solutions to move our country forward. I have children who are teenagers and I see and hear how passionate they are about being change-makers.”

Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework will strengthen the DUT brand and attract people of the highest calibre both as partners and members of our community. The Living Values encourages all of us to look within and calls on all of us to be better citizens.”

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “I enjoy spending time with my family and visiting Saturday markets, with Shongweni Farmers Market being my favourite.”

Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “I plan to make a positive impact by engaging with and supporting staff, students, and alumni with their engagement projects for communities.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “Trust God. Trust the process.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “I plan to grow within the university and empower myself with all that is offered by DUT.”

Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “My one wish is for all South African learners to have equal access to quality basic education.”