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 Communications team member, Vukani Langa recently engaged in a conversation with Ene Awodi, President of the DUT International Students’ Organisation (ISO) who is also a Doctoral student in Mechanical Engineering, to delve deeper into the Living Values Framework and ENVISION2030.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role in DUT?

A: “I am a Doctoral student in the Mechanical Engineering department at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). I am also the President of the International Students’ Organisation (ISO), at DUT. This is a student-led organisation that represents the interests of DUT’s international students from around the globe. This organisation provides an opportunity for social interaction amongst international students, and their new environment. In recognition of the multifaceted challenges faced by the international students, the organisation was born out of the desire to take responsibility for mutual assistance to ensure positive and productive community integration and engagement, as well as the reduction of the difficulties faced on arrival in a foreign space.” 

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

A: “I joined the DUT family in 2022. So, I have been with DUT for two years.” 

Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION 2020 living values and principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why? 

A: “I have always believed that all the ENVISION2030 living values and principles are values that every individual should always live by. It should be more like a lifestyle for every member of the DUT community. However, commitment resonates with me the most at the moment. Commitment is a firm decision to willingly give your time and energy to a cause or an activity. The academic world is quite demanding as we know. In addition to that I have the ISO activities to also attend to. So sometimes it can be a lot. At this point, the resolve to remain committed to excellence in all that I do at all costs, without any of these two key responsibilities suffering is important.”

Q: What are your views on the DUT tagline: Creative, Distinctive, and Impactful? 

A: “I believe the tagline sums up the ideal DUT process and product. I also believe that they are all linked together. Being creative requires that you come up with new and original ideas.” 

Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION 2030 living values framework? 

A: “I plan to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 living values framework by ensuring that I continually acquaint myself with the content of the framework, and also be intentional about applying it every day as I carry on with my responsibilities.” 

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

A: “I can say that I do better in quiet spaces.” 

Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 living values framework benefit DUT 

A: “The framework and the thought process that has gone into its conceptualisation are aimed at transforming the DUT community. However, the ENVISION2030 living values framework will remain just a framework if no one uses it. So, the way I see it, is that everyone in their little spheres of influence and responsibilities should incorporate this framework in all that they do. I am sure that by 2030, DUT would have made significant progress towards achieving its goals.”

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

A: “I prefer to interact with nature. I love nature. While sitting in a natural surroundings, I could be inspired to write or just simply read a book. It is magical.”

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

A: “By engaging in one conversation at a time.” 

Q: What is your daily motivation? 

A: “That I have a lot more to give to my world, therefore I cannot stop. I must keep making positive impact as I forge ahead. There are endless opportunities out there, I must only be willing to search them out and also work hard to be the best I can.” 

Q: What are your future goals at DUT? 

A: “My goal at DUT is to put DUT on the global map through excellence and commitment in my research and interactions.”

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

A: I have two wishes, the first being is to see a truly united Africa. Secondly, I wish corruption in Africa would become a thing of the past.”