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, Vukani Langa recently engaged in a conversation with Faith Tsiri, who is a Clinical Instructor in the department of Emergency Medical Care and Rescue (EMCR) to delve into the living values framework and ENVISION2030

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?

A: “I am Clinical Instructor in the department of Emergency Medical Care and Rescue. My responsibilities involve management and maintenance of simulators and laboratory equipment, supporting daily operations of simulators, demonstrating clinical skills, teaching, assessing and evaluating student performance. I also serve as the departmental representative in Faculty of Health Sciences’ health and safety committee and community engagement committee. My other responsibilities are coordinating student selections and organizing the orientation program for first year students and the departmental level.”

Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?  

A: “Long enough to make DUT the employer of choice.”

Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?  

A: “I mostly associate with the principle of compassion in ENVISION2030. This is because to me compassion is Ubuntu personified. It embraces diversity, reduces conflict, leads to acts of service and kindness, creates a positive ripple effect, contributing to a better world by advocating for justice and equality.”

Q: What are your views on the DUT tagline: Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.  

A: “The tagline resonates well with ENVISION2030. As DUT we strive for lasting positive change while being authentic and standing out as we push boundaries and bringing forth new ideas.”

Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?  

A: “I would Regularly review the framework, engage with relevant resources, participate in discussions and workshops, apply the values in personal and professional settings. This approach ensures continuous learning and alignment with the framework’s values and principles.’’

Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?  

A: “Most people do not know that I love adventure.”

Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?

A: “The ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework can bring numerous benefits to DUT such as providing a clear set of principles to direct behavior and decision-making. Promoting a common culture and understanding among groups or organizations. Encouraging the development of moral principles and constructive conduct (Personal Growth). Encouraging a sense of obligation to the environment and society. Inspiring people and organizations to strive for excellence and make a positive impact. In a nutshell, all the above will contribute to a strong institutional identity/brand identity, improved employee engagement and long-term success.”

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time? 

A: “Spending time with family, dancing and listening to music. I also like to explore new places when time allows.”

Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?  

A: “To learn as much as possible so that I can equally share through personal modelling and to the body of knowledge.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?

A: “Knowing that I am contributing to the healthcare profession and indirectly positively impacting the socio-economic statuses of families in our country, is motivation enough. And again, seeing the transformation of our students from being shy and timid in their first year to being confident healthcare professionals is priceless.’’

Q: What are your future goals at DUT?  

A: “To grow (both personally and professionally) to bring about meaningful and sustainable contributions. We cannot afford to remain the same, especially if we are looking for different results.”

Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?

A: “For the world to know that everyone, young and old, have a purpose to fulfill on earth and all they need is to be given a time and chance to tell their story without prejudice.”