Durban University of Technology (DUT) officially launched the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, comprising five core values: transparency, honesty, integrity, respect and accountability. These values are underpinned by the principles of fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion and excellence. DUT Publications Officer Waheeda Peters, recently engaged in a conversation with Fathima Razack, a Quality Promotion Officer (QPO) who is based in the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics, to delve deeper into the Living Values Framework and ENVISION2030.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “My role as the Quality Promotion Officer is to facilitate and monitor the implementation of the university Quality Assurance (QA) policy across the faculty and the campuses offering Accounting and Informatics related programmes. In addition, I support departments by preparing them for internal and external reviews and thereafter monitor the progression of the quality improvement plans. My role also involves monitoring and supporting the implementation of processes for information gathering, analysis and follow up as well as facilitating the compilation of the faculty’s annual Quality Monitoring report.”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I joined DUT in March 2021 where I was initially the Quality Promotion Officer (QPO) in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment on a contractual basis. In November 2022, I was fortunate to get a permanent position in the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics. I have been at DUT for just over three years.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “I would most definitely go with integrity because it fosters moral conduct, credibility and trust.”
Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative, Distinctive, Impactful?
A: “The new DUT tagline will surely have a significant impact on how our institution develops in the future. I look forward to seeing the qualities of being creative, distinctive and impactful being put into practice in the years to come.
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “I plan to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework by actively taking part in seminars and information-sharing events, as well as by making a constant effort to live up to these values every day. My goal is to incorporate these values into both my personal and professional endeavours, and I will go above and beyond to uphold them.”
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “The one thing that people may not know about me is that I enjoy cooking and love trying out new dishes.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “By bringing our university into line with the contemporary global environment, we will maintain our competitive advantage over other higher education institutions. Moreover, adopting these values will allow DUT to stand out from the crowd, become a new benchmark for quality, and improve its reputation in the academic community. I can’t wait to be a part of this life-changing experience as DUT is about to enter exciting new times.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “I love reading and occasionally enjoying a spa treat to relax.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “I hope to make a meaningful contribution to the overall success and progress of the institution by making decisions and acting in a way that is consistent with the basic principles of honesty, excellence, integrity, and innovation. I aim to uphold DUT’s academic excellence culture by facilitating and monitoring quality assurance within the faculty and also actively participating in workshops, exchange knowledge, and support my colleagues’ professional development.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “My daily motivation stems from the desire to make a positive impact on the world around me. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, helping others, or contributing to meaningful projects, I aim to leave a lasting, positive impression.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “My future goal at DUT would be to continuously enhance quality assurance processes and procedures to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with industry standards and regulations. In addition, with my current studies, I would like to contribute to the academic excellence of DUT by adding to the number of staff with doctorates and engage in publishing articles.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “If I were granted one wish, I would wish for world peace and harmony. I believe that a more hopeful and successful future for all depends on settling disputes and fostering understanding between communities and nations.”
