Sibahle Ngcobo, from Communications unit converses with the Chairperson of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Institutional Forum (IF) and Department of Public Management and Economics Senior Lecturer, Dr Zamokuhle Mbandlwa. Dr Mbandlwa reflects on his position as chairperson and the role of Institutional Forum at DUT.
Dr Mbandlwa is in possession of a PhD in Public Administration, he has numerous qualifications from DUT, University of KwaZulu Natal (KZN), Coastal College, Ain Shams University from Egypt, and North West University (NWU). Dr Mbandlwa is a political analyst for ENCA Channel 403, Newsroom Afrika Channel 405, Radio 786, and Radio 702. He has published 45 Journal articles in the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)-accredited journals. Dr Mbandlwa has also attended conferences in South Africa, Thailand, Portugal, Italy, Brazil, Qatar, India, and Scotland. He is a member of the DUT Council and DUT Convocation. He is the Implementation Support Practitioner (ISP) for ENVISION2030. External examiner for PhD thesis and Masters dissertations for Nelson Mandela University (NMU), University of Zululand (UniZulu), and Walter Sisulu University (WSU).
Q: How do you find time to juggle your role as a senior lecturer and with your academic role at DUT?
A: “This is a very interesting question. Academics are not teachers and their role go beyond teaching and learning. There are four fundamental roles of academics and I wouldn’t say it is difficult to perform in all areas. As an academic, I have to excel in the following areas; lecturing, research, community engagement, and leadership. This is what is expected from all academics and I am not doing anything extra ordinary, but I am doing what I am employed to do for the University.”
Q: Tell me about your role at IF and how it all started?
A: “I was appointed as the Chairperson of the Institutional Forum not because I was the most intelligent member amongst all members but it was a responsibility given to me to provide leadership, learn in the process, and allow all members to express themselves and provide guidance where it is necessary. I became a member of the Institutional Forum in November 2020 and I was elected as the Chairperson in March 2022 in the first meeting of 2022. My role as the chairperson is not to chair the meetings only but to also provide guidance into the meetings and represent the structure in various platforms.”
Q: What is the Institutional Forum currently working on or what can be expected in the near future?
A: “ The IF is currently working on various projects that includes: advising the council on issues affecting the institution, issues referred to in subparagraph one must include: the implementation of the Act and the National policy on higher education, race and gender equity policies, the selection of candidates for senior management positions, codes of conduct, mediation, and dispute resolution procedures and the fostering of an institutional culture which promotes tolerance and respect for fundamental human rights and creates an appropriate environment for instruction, research and learning.
Based on this background, the IF has initiated several projects such as the transformation policy for the University that will provide guidance on the naming of the University buildings. IF has started the engagements with relevant executives to look into the transformation policy and the process to be followed in dealing with the naming of the old and new buildings of the University. Another project that we have initiated as IF, is to have periodical meetings with the Senior Director for Real Estate and discuss the progress in the renovation of lecture venues as this is affecting the core business of the University.”
Q: How does your role intertwine with ENVISION2030’s living values?
A “ENVISION2030 belongs to everyone that is part of the University. This refers to all staff members, students, various stakeholders, and the leadership. As a chairperson of IF I need to be the face of ENVISION2030 in my approach and action. This is made possible by implementing the Strategic Perspectives that are defining ENVISION2030. This is further supported by the Living Values Framework.”
Q: Is there anything that can be expected from IF?
A. “We need to finalise the transformation policy before the end of the year and establish a procedure in the naming of the University buildings. This is long overdue. The transformation must reflect in all areas. If we want to see a Differently Upended and Transformed institution we need to reflect that even at the face value. A person walking around DUT in 2024 should see a different institution compared to five years ago, this can be made possible by changing names of the academic buildings, administration building, and student residences. This change is not supposed to be done for the sake of bringing change but must reflect the ENVISION2030 agenda.”
Q: Why do you feel it is vital for lecturers like yourself to be involved in various roles at the University? How does this enhance the work that you are doing at DUT?
A: “I think Lecturers are not teachers and they should be involved in many activities. What we are lecturing in the lecturer theatre must be informed by research. I think being a Lecturer or a Professor does not necessarily mean a person knows everything. Good and progressive scholars learn new things and in different situations regularly. A person that claims to know everything knows nothing. I think it is also important to understand the role of different structures within the University and also participate where it is possible.”
“I am very delighted for the opportunity that was offered to me to lead the Institutional Forum which is a very important structure of the University. This has taught me so much more about leading. Most people think leading is an easy task but this is not the case. This role made me realise that many people lead because of status and to put their portfolios in their CVs with no contribution in the society or their constituency. I want to leave a legacy during my tenure so that those who will come after me or the current team that I am working with will continue from where we have left. IF is a very dynamic structure with different types of interests and I think this has trained me to be flexible,” commented Dr Mbandlwa.
Pictured: Dr Zamokuhle Mbandlwa.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Sibahle Ngcobo
