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, Nikiwe Sukazi spoke to Thandokuhle Shongwe, Administrative Assistant at the office of the Director: Protection Services.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I believe I am an all-rounder in our unit. I am responsible for effectively managing the Director’s diary: receive meeting requests; organize and schedule meetings and take minutes. I receive and handle sensitive information; double check invoices and prepare requisitions. I am also responsible for providing polite and professional communication within our unit and with external departments; provide general support to visitors, produce and distribute correspondence memos and letters. My role as I understand it, is to add value to the team by providing support towards achieving needed positive results and that requires me to perform all my duties effectively.”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I started working for DUT back when I was doing my final year in Public Relations and Communication Management in 2019, I worked for the Writing Centre and the office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning for a short while. I then applied for a permanent position and I was shortlisted for an interview. The interview was successful and I was officially employed for my current position on the 3rd of June 2020. I have officially been a member of the DUT family for three years.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “I associate myself with all the ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, simply because I apply them in my everyday life. I live my life based on all these values and principles. However, respect is one value that was instilled in me from a young age and till to date it holds much value in my life. Commitment speaks about dedication, that on its own gives you focus and direction – this principle to me is very important. In short, for both my values and principles I resonate more with respect and commitment.”
Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative. Distinctive. Impactful?
A: “I believe this tagline is urging everyone within the DUT community to be Creative, Distinctive and Impactful in everything they do. This should be a way of life for every person in the DUT community.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “To understand my role and impact in our unit as this will feed to the bigger strategy of the division which then leads to achieving the vision of DUT as a whole. I can keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework by living through the Living Values of DUT which will give a positive impact and direction towards achieving ENVISION2030.”
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “I used to love writing – my pen has not been walking on paper for the longest time now. The love of playing with words still lives within me though. One other thing would be that; I tend to give more than I should – even when I have nothing to give, I want to assist in making sure that whatever is needed is available.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “By providing guidance to the DUT community, it gives a way of life and understanding – this is enough for people to establish their roles and how they can assist in the realisation of ENVISION2030.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
“I love stories – I do not read as much as I used to. However, I do have an interest in watching Netflix series. I love interesting drama series and telenovelas. I do also love jogging and once in a while have a date with nature – go for a hike or just walk; enjoy some air and the beauty of nature.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “I plan to make a positive impact at DUT by making sure that I keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework; mostly understand my role and perform them to my best of abilities, always aim for positive results, be valuable to the team – be available, supportive and reliable.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “I am motivated by this following quote by Eleanor Roosevelt : ‘With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts’ and my everyday all year favourite quote by Dr. John Demartini: ‘Whatever we think about, and thank about, we bring about’. I am motivated by these quotes on a daily basis.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “I see myself making a valuable contribution towards DUT realising its potential as a community. I do want to grow and develop my skills and improve my performance always. I am inspired by the words ‘We Learn and We Build and We Grow’. In short, my future goals at DUT is to learn, build and grow.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “To shine a light on myself, siblings and all my family members.”
