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. S’bonelo Dlamini, DUT Communication’s team member, recently engaged with the DUT Karate star, Nkosenhle Mkhwanazi to share her student experience through sports and academics and how she lives the DUT Living Values.
Name: Nkosenhle Mkhwanazi
Place of birth: Newcastle
Sport code: Karate
Qualification: Diploma in Information and Communication Technology in Business Analysis
Q: When did you join the DUT sport team?
A: “I joined the DUT Karate team in Midlands in the year 2023 and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my student life.”
Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?
A: “I have been passionate about martial arts because of discipline, focus and confidence it builds.”
Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what is entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “We don’t have positions but we usually graduate using belts, I am in blue belt now which represents the student’s growth and understanding of the martial art.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: “I’m interested in netball because it requires team work, lots of communication and quick reflexes, which is more like karate.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “I have participated in the SAK Tournaments representing DUT.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sport?
A: “DUT sports is essential for personal development and it builds leadership, discipline and teamwork. I believe that DUT creates well-rounded graduates to enable them to succeed both academically and physically.”
Q: Who is your role model and why?
A: “My role model is Lungile Feze because of her dedication, skills and humility in the sport. She inspirers me to keep pushing my limits.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 living values and principles do you associate with and why?
A: “I associate mostly with integrity and honesty because karate is built on these values which are useful for guiding a person both on and off the mat.”
Q: Do you see a future in Karate?
A: “Yes, I definitely perceive karate as a great way to stay active and focused.”
Q: As a DUT star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “I serve as a role model to other students and young people in my community, showing that with dedication and hard work, one may succeed in both academic and sports.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “Sport has given me confidence, improved my mental health and taught me life skills such as discipline and perseverance. It’s has helped me grow into a more focused and resilient individual.”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sports?
A: “DUT could host themed sports days, including incentives like giveaways or food discounts, promote events more on social media and involve local schools or communities in boosting attendance and engagement. I believe that if varsity sports are advertised during these events there is a big possibility that it might attract students interested in sports to join the DUT sports.”
