As part of its ENVISION2030 strategy, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) aspires to produce adaptive graduates that will participate productively in the development of our region, country and the world. Mnqobi Ngobese, DUT Communication’s editorial team member, recently engaged with the DUT’s Kyokushin Karate student Nkazimulo Nene, to share his student experience through sports and academics and how she lives the DUT Living Values.
Name : Nkosinathi Mngomezulu
Place of birth : Paulpietersburg, Bilanyoni
Sport code : Kyokushin Karate
Qualification: Diploma in Civil Engineering
Q: When did you join the DUT Sport Team?
A: “I joined DUT Kyokushin Karate when I was doing my first-year in 2023.”
Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?
A: “I was inspired by the trophies I used to see in my father’s room. It was also the willingness to learn self-defence.”
Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what it entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “I’m part of the team, I don’t have a special position. However having fought in national and provincial tournaments I always share the little knowledge that I have with my team mates.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A “Boxing, after joining karate I started being interested in fighting sports.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “I have participated in the South African Karate Championships, the University Sports South Africa Karate Tournaments and I have been in the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) games for a couple of times.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sports?
A: “DUT’s investment in sports is important because it allows students to learn discipline, teamwork, and resilience. It helps students to have something to focus on besides academics and to keep their minds refreshed.”
Q: Who is your sport role model and why?
A: “My sport role model is my father, Mcebo Nene, who is a good fighter. I always enjoy watching his fights. He always encourages me to excel and is always there to give guidance on how I can perfect my fights.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles do you associate with and why?
A: “I believe that the values of DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy that I most align with are transparency and respect. These values inspire me to push myself to be the best I can be and for respect it is the most important thing in Karate.”
Q: Do you see a future in Kyokushin Karate?
A: “I do see a future in Karate. I believe it has the potential to teach valuable life lessons and help students become stronger, more disciplined, and respectful individuals. I’m committed to pursuing my passion for the sport and becoming the best martial artist I can be.”
Q: As a DUT sport star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “There are kids who look up on me and some of them when I’m home they come and ask me to teach them Karate.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “I have become stronger, Karate made me to have confidence in whatever I’m doing in life not only on tournaments. It made me realise that in life you must be able to stand for yourself in order to succeed. All in all, I have travelled to so many places that I would never thought I would see them.”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sport?
A: “To attract spectators around varsity sports, hosting of events and organising promotional campaigns could be good. In those events or campaigns offer student discounts and special promotions to encourage students to come out and support their peers. By implementing these strategies, we can create a more vibrant and engaging varsity sports culture that will attract more spectators.”
