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, Phiwayinkosi Sibiya recently engaged in a conversation with BrightnessNonkosi Nyawose, the Business Development Officer at DUT CSERI, to delve into the living values framework and ENVISION2030.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I am the Business Development Officer at the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CSERI).”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I have been a member of DUT for almost 10 years now.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “I truly believe in being real and transparent in everything I do. As the saying goes, “Honesty is the best policy.” I try to live by that every day, both professionally and personally.”
Q: What are your views on the DUT tagline: Creative, Distinctive, Impactful?
A: “As someone who works closely with entrepreneurs, I strongly resonate with DUT’s new tagline-Creative, Distinctive, Impactful. It captures what it truly takes to succeed today. Creativity drives innovation, being distinctive sets you apart in a competitive world, and making an impact is ultimately what gives purpose to our work. I believe these values are essential not only in business but also in building stronger, more dynamic communities.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “I plan to stay aligned with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework by intentionally integrating its principles into my daily work. By continuously supporting entrepreneurs in ways that reflect our institutional values, I aim to ensure that both my actions and outcomes contribute meaningfully to the vision we collectively uphold.”
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “Most people do not know that I am a good cook. I fell in love with cooking at a very young age, inspired by my mother, who ran a fast-food business.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “For me, the Living Values Framework creates a shared language and vision that truly brings all of us together. It gives meaning to what we do every day and reminds us that we are all working towards something bigger. When staff and students operate from the same values, it builds trust, unity, and a stronger sense of purpose. I believe it helps us to create a more resilient and inclusive DUT community, one that’s ready to grow, adapt, and make a real impact in the world.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I love staying indoors, watching a good movie or TV series. “I also like going out with friends and trying out different restaurants.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “My goal is to keep empowering entrepreneurs through practical, impactful programmes that ignite real change. I am committed to creating safe, supportive spaces where people feel seen, heard, and inspired to believe in their ideas because when people feel confident, they turn dreams into realities that can transform lives and communities.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “My daily motivation is building a life of purpose, creativity, and impact, one that brings stability and joy to my family while empowering others to grow and succeed.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “I would like to continue being part of shaping DUT’s entrepreneurship and innovation strategies, create tools and platforms that can help us support even more entrepreneurs across the DUT community.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “If I were granted one wish, it would be to live a life of peace, purpose, and financial freedom, where I can provide for my family, make a meaningful impact in my community. I want to wake up every day doing what I love with a full heart and clear vision, while creating opportunities that change lives and turn even the smallest ideas into something powerful and impactful.”
