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 Sprinter Mpumelelo Dhlamini, to share his student experience through sports and academics and how she lives the DUT Living Values.
Name : Mpumelelo Nelson Dhlamini
Place of birth :Nigel, Gauteng
Sport code : Athletics
Qualification: Diploma in Accounting
Q: When did you join the DUT Sport Team?
A: “I joined the DUT sport team in August 2023.”
Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?
A: “Watching athletics as a young man growing up created a sort of zeal to be part of it, especially seeing my role model in the sport (Wayde Van Niekerk) achieve what most people deemed as impossible.”
Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what it entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “I am a sprinter, and I represent the team in the discipline of sprint events, namely the 100m, 200m and four by 100m events. I am currently also the vice chairperson of DUT Athletics team, and my role brings forth leadership in terms of what DUT athletics produces and a direction on what the sport on its own can lead to as an individual.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: “I also love playing eight ball pool as well as chess, as these sports bring out the calmness in me and embrace my way of thinking as well as captivating my ability to participate in multiple sports given a goal and being dedicated to achieving it.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “I have participated in the National Athletics Tournaments, and it has been an amazing experience to see room for improvement.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sports?
A: “Sports doesn’t only keep a student busy or produce a habit a student can choose to do, but rather it creates discipline, dedication and devotion. These are elements that every successful person acquires along their journey. Sports can enhance a student to always strive for the best in anything they do.”
Q: Who is your sport role model and why?
A: “My role model in Athletics is, was and most possibly will always be Wayde Van Niekerk, he broke the 400m Olympics and World Record in 2016 while representing South Africa. This achievement did not only shock the world but motivated me to be part of the sport and have faith that as a South African, I too can reach such a milestone, thus resulting in me still working hard even today.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles do you associate with and why?
A: “The ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles that always keep me going are accountability, integrity, respect, compassion, excellence and commitment as well as being impactful. These values and principles motivate me day by day, they remind me of the person I always strive to be and can become, they keep me aiming high to be the best version I can ever be, and they help me to overcome any obstacle that may stand in my way.”
Q: Do you see a future in Athletics?
A: “I see myself being a professional athlete as that is one of my goals.”
Q: As a DUT sport star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “Sport has grown my attitude towards life and how I should take care of myself and my surroundings. Sport has taught me to always respect people’s efforts towards every achievement they may strive for, and it has enhanced my character as a person.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “I believe the role that I play in sport has shown that for sport to be recognised or a potential athlete to achieve their goals, they can always start here, it is always possible to achieve anything anywhere and all you need is support”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sport?
A: “Varsity sport has to highlight and showcase the athletes that participates as this will increase the amount of people who hear peoples motivations and how they ended up achieving their goals. Varsity sport must start giving rewards for every milestone the athletes accomplish as that will not only bring forth more spectators but rather increase the number of participants who are redeemed appreciated for their hard work.”
