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, Patience Makhaye, spoke to Siyanda Mlambo, an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) graduate and intern.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?

A: “I am an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) graduate and I am doing my internship at the institution under the department of ICT. My role is to assist the staff in information technology as I do software support, hardware support and network engineering.”

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

A: “I joined DUT in 2019 and have been at the university for  five years. I have been a member of DUT, first as a student then as an intern.”

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

A: “As an Information Technology graduate, I mostly associate with the value of respect. this principle emphasizes the importance of continuously updating and expanding one’s knowledge and skills in order to keep pace with the rapid advancements in the institution. Respect allows me to adapt to the ever-changing IT landscape and enhance my problem-solving abilities and open doors to new opportunities. It also ensures that I can provide the best solutions and services to the organisation by leveraging the latest technologies and industry best practices. Moreover, learning helps me to stay curious, motivated, and passionate about my chosen field. It fosters growth mindset and a continuous improvement mindset.”

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

A: “It allows room for creative thinkers to express themselves in ways that are beneficial. In addition, encouraging them to remain grounded, impactful and inspirational.”

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

A: “By attending training workshops, participating in sessions and workshops designed to provide guidance on implementing the ENVISION  2030 Living Values Framework, provide hands-on activities and discussions.”

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

A: “One thing people don’t know about me is that I can cook, despite the stigmatic challenge that most men can’t cook, I beat the odds. Also, I am good with computers, especially working with software.”

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

A: “By developing innovative technology solutions, I plan to work on projects and research that have positive impact in the institution. work towards creating inclusive technology solutions that can be accessed and used by staff and students.”

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

A: “In my spare time I enjoy playing video games and mingling with friends that bring out the best in me. I also do a bit of research based on artificial intelligence, its impact and ways in which it can improve our daily lives.”

Q: What is your daily motivation? 

A: “My motivation comes from the quote, ‘with great power, comes responsibility’. Enhancing the fact that we are accountable for the actions we take, and that when placed on a pedestal, be it a position of power, we are obligated to act responsibly.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT?   

A: “My future goal at DUT is to have an IT workshop for students to assist them with their devices because most of the students when they are buying electronics devices, do not check the specifications. Also, what I have noticed is that only staff that are assisted in their technologies. Another goal, is to expand IT workshops across campuses and introduce basic skills to students about IT which can eliminate a lot of unnecessary costs they are faced with daily with regards to their computers.”

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

A: “To improve DUT registrations systems so that more students are assisted quickly.”