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 Assistant, Thabile Shinga recently engaged in a conversation with Dr Thembisa Mjwacu, a Lecturer in the Department of Applied Management in Midlands.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?

A: “I am a lecturer for Public Relations and Communication, under the Department of Applied Management in Management Sciences.”

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

A: “I have been a DUT family member for 21 years.”

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

A: “I would say respect and professionalism. I associate with these mostly because the nature of our job calls for professional conduct at all times, and respecting others and set systems and processes forms bigger part of professionalism.”

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

A: “I think it is relevant to what DUT is and aspires to be. It is practical and relatable to an institution of higher learning like DUT as it embodies the nature of graduates that DUT aims to produce and release to the workspace and society.”

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

A: “It is important that I always remind myself of the Living Values Framework and constantly evaluate/assess my performance and work relationships based on these values.”

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

A: “I desire to see women treated with respect and dignity in all spheres of life-work and society in general.”

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

A: “Living Values Framework is the heartbeat of DUT, it is a framework that sets DUT apart from other institutions or workplaces. I also believe that this framework serves as a compass to navigate the future for the DUT community, it is a bigger part of our organisational culture.”

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

A: “Cooking, baking and spending time with my two boys.”

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

A: “I plan to develop my research capacity through local and international conference attendance and article publishing. I believe this is one among other things that contribute positively to myself and DUT. I also plan to take part in community engagement projects, in this way DUT gets closer to its stakeholders and take part in community upliftment, thus building a positive brand image.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?  

A: “The need/responsibility to provide for my children.”

Q: What are your future goals at  DUT? 

A: “My future goals have been highlighted on the question about making positive impact to DUT. In addition to these, I would like to grow academically and professionally into senior lectureship and professorship.”

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

A: “A peaceful society that honours and reveres God.”