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 THUBELIHLE DUMAKUDE, recently engaged in a conversation with SIFANELE JULA, Student Library Assistant and Chairperson of Students With Disabilities Association (SWDA) to delve deeper into the Living Values Framework and ENVISION2030.

 Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?

A: “I am a Shipping and Logistics student, a student library assistant and Chairperson of the Students with Disabilities Association.”

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

A: “I have been a member of the DUT family since 2022.”

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

A: “All the DUT living values and principles are important, especially for a young professional hoping to make their mark in a sustainable way. Integrity is the value I hope to embody the most. I feel integrity is the ultimate mark of strength because it’s easy to be good when there no real consequences to it, but it’s the decision to do what is right no matter the circumstance that makes one great.”

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

A: “The DUT tagline is the perfect description of our community. It describes a balance only we can achieve.”

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

A: “I think the only way to incorporate the living values into our daily lives is by identifying individuals who already possess them, and then following their example. That has been my strategy so far.”

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

A: “I do not think many people know about my faith. It is something I unfortunately have not shared a lot about it but it is an important part of who I am. I trust God with my everything, every day and I am better for it. Also, I might be addicted to hand creams that smell good.”

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

A: “The DUT living values framework will create professionals that will become a beacon of light in a world that really needs it. They are also creating a university that allows all of us to thrive.”

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

A: “I force myself to read, however 90 % of my free time is spent on the PlayStation playing FIFA. I am proud to say I am an expert at FIFA Career Mode.”

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

A: “I hope to have a positive impact at the university by embracing and personifying the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework. I struggle daily to ensure my actions and decisions reflect integrity, excellence and social justice.”

Q: What is your daily motivation? 

A: “I spent a long time praying for the opportunities God has presented me with through DUT. What motivates me is making the most of all those opportunities.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT? 

A: “DUT has already given me so much, it’s difficult to ask for more. My hopes are mainly for my community, the students with disabilities at the institution. A lot of strides have been made in accommodating us, but there is still room for improvement. My goals can be summed up with the mission statement of the Students with Disabilities Association which is to empower students with disabilities by creating an inclusive environment that advocates for accessibility, promotes equal opportunities, and celebrates diversity, ensuring every student can thrive and achieve their fullest potential.”

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

A: “Well if I were to be granted one wish, I would wish our communities would recover from the effects of apartheid, that we would all have access to world class educational and health systems. I would wish away peoples struggles and pain. And lastly I would wish all my mother’s dreams would be fulfilled.”