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, Simangele Zuma spoke to Nokuphiwa Shelembe, Executive Secretary: Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement.  

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?

A: “I am an Executive Secretary at the Office of the Deputy Vice- Chancellor of Research Innovation and Engagement.”

Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?

A: “ I started working for DUT in February 2017 as a secretary for the Directorate of Research and Postgraduate Support. In 2019, I was then promoted to the position of Executive Secretary.”

Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?

A: “I would have to say professionalism simply because it’s one of the qualities that demonstrates my capacity to be a diligent, dependable, and respectful person at the workplace.”

Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.

A: “The new tagline inspires DUT staff and students to think outside of the box and become game changers in their spaces.”

Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?

A: “I plan to create deep and meaningful connections within the organisation. I feel that preserving the values and principles is a lot simpler after you establish lasting relationships.”

Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?

A: “Oh you are a nice, fun person. I hear this a lot, once people get to know me better.”  

Q: In your opinion, how will ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?

A: “It will transform DUT to becoming a great university that everyone will be proud of.”  

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: “My newfound love is being at the gym, working out.”

Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?

A: “By being willing to learn from others to better myself professionally as well as personally. To Lend a helping hand to my fellow colleagues.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?

A: “My children, they inspire me to do better, be better.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT?

A: “Just the ability to grow and develop as a person.”

Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?

A: “Probably to eliminate all the suffering and pain in the world.”