The Durban University of Technology (DUT) 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, Waheeda Peters spoke to Nombulelo Gidigidi, Sports Officer at the DUT Midlands Campus.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I am functioning as a Sports Officer: Midlands Campus. My role includes ensuring that students are aware of sports offered by DUT, coordinating the information of allocated sports clubs and their infrastructure and recruiting coaches for the relevant sports codes.”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I have been a DUT family member for eight months, since December 2022.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “I associate with all of the principles but if I were to choose one that I mostly associate with, it would be integrity. Integrity encompasses a lot of the other principles. For example, you can’t be a person of integrity but not encompass honesty, respect, compassion, fairness, accountability and commitment. That’s what integrity entails. I am a person who does what they say they will do, and if I am unable to deliver, I communicate timeously, I don’t take shortcuts. The universe has taught me that shortcuts are a non-existing façade. I am highly committed to making the space I am in a better place for all. I am also very compassionate. It’s compassion (mainly from my ancestors) that has led me to the grounds that I walk on.”
Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative. Distinctive. Impactful?
A: “I have learnt that the success of any university in these evolving times is dependent on its ability to win the war of talent, innovate rapidly and collaborate effectively, as well as forging strategic alliances with international partners. To achieve this, DUT needs to be creative, distinctive and impactful. In summary, I would say the new DUT tagline is very relevant.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “The first initiative I have taken to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework is being a ‘Change Champion’ which includes assisting and supporting the university to promote the Living Values Framework amongst staff and students. Secondly, I form part of the Task Team responsible for launching the Living Values Framework in the week of the 18th to 21st July2023.”
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “I am a spiritual healer/sangoma.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “If DUT successfully institutionalises the Living Values Framework and does not accept anything which is below them, I strongly believe DUT will be the leading university in the country.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “I spend time with my babies, as I am a mother of three girls, and also spend time exercising.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “I plan to utilise all the qualifications, skills and experience I have acquired over the years to build an all-inclusive sports unit that every student and staff member can benefit from. A unit which is not only about competitive sports but one which is packed with a variety of recreational activities for the DUT family to choose from and enjoy.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “My only motivation is my ancestors’ presence in my life.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “Going forward, I wish to become the Dean of a Faculty at DUT.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “To live long enough to see my children mastering the art of life and to see my great grandchildren.”
