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 Human Capital Services Intern, Phumelele Kubheka, recently engaged in a conversation with Lwazi Chiliza, DUT Marketing, Public Relations and Events intern, to delve deeper into the Living Values Framework and ENVISION2030.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I am currently serving as an intern in the Marketing, Public Relations and Events unit at Corporate Affairs. Simultaneously, I am student currently pursuing my Advanced Diploma in Marketing.”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I have been a member of this institution for four years.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “I associate myself with all the values as they are all interlinked and form one greater picture. If I had to choose only one, I would say respect. This specific value stands out the most as I view it as an umbrella to some of the other values. A wise person once said to me that respect can get you anything and anywhere in life. Respect also embodies some of the other DUT values, such as honesty, integrity, transparency and accountability.”
Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative. Distinctive. Impactful?
A: “The new DUT tagline is one of the most precise and amazing taglines. It is straight to the point and easy to understand. What I love about it is it showcases the uniqueness and variability of the institution. The first word being creative, this brings to light the fact that this institution is not solely focused on academic capabilities but encourages innovation and enables students to apply critical thinking through the power of imagination. The second word being distinctive, this embraces the broad and diverse population of students and staff that DUT accommodates. Through our diversity, we are unified. The institutions’ ability to merge academic performance, embrace talent and skills across all diverse cultures and traditions while maintaining world rankings truly makes it distinctive and with all the values and principals, I can firmly say that this is truly an impactful institution.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: I plan on keeping abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values framework as I strongly believe that these values are not just mentioned but these have all been taken from actual societal morals. These are life lessons that we all apply in our day to day living. Values such as integrity and respect come naturally for me as I was raised in a background that heavily preached these, moreover, at DUT the environment we have created with co-workers allows us all to learn, to understand and practice these values individually and collectively.”
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “What most people do not know about me is that I really enjoy community work and giving to the less fortunate. However, most people do not know this because after giving I prefer to remain anonymous. Not all heroes have to wear capes, and I never want the gratitude people show to change the person I am. I enjoy being a hero privately with my mask on as I change the world, one smile at a time.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “The ENVISION2030, coupled with the strong values and principals will benefit DUT greatly as through this framework a way is paved and objectives and goals are set on target.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “In my spare time I enjoy playing soccer, I try my best to keep fit and keep a balance between my mental, emotional and physical health. I also enjoy singing and I partake in the school choir as it maintains my mental health.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “I plan to make a positive impact at DUT by giving back to the community. I am currently focusing on starting a foundation in collaboration with friends and colleagues that will assist people around the city of Durban with their monthly needs. I am a DUT product and will carry myself with pride and dignity while assisting where I can. Once again, I would like to highlight the fact that this institution does not only encourage academic excellence but also impactful graduates and alumni.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “My daily motivation is based on two things, a famous quote and circumstances. I do not come from the wealthiest of backgrounds, however I was comfortable. I come from a background of hard workers, one of which is my mother, a hard-working independent woman that taught me that I can achieve anything I want because the key to success is not just education but the power and strength of your mindset. A quote that keeps me going is to always ‘aspire to inspire before you expire’. This echoes heavily on morals instilled in me by my mother as well as collaborates well with the person I’m working on being, an example to the near and upcoming generation as well as my peers.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “My future goals at DUT include using my current qualification as well as the life skills that I have obtained to add value to the institution. My morals are strongly aligned with the ENVISION2030 values and principles and this will elevate and increase the chances of achieving the collaborated goals set by the institution and myself.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “If I had one wish I would wish I could change the way that certain men perceive women. As a man, it is sad to see how our gender treats woman. I have come to understand the crucial roles that our sisters, mothers and grandmothers play in all our lives, they don’t only care and have unconditional love for everyone, but they are the most intelligent, innovative and creative critical thinkers. I would wish that we stop underestimating women and respect them because they play multiple roles, and no man is more important than any woman. They should be treated with the utmost respect and care.”
