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, Thubelihle Dumakude, recently engaged in a conversation with Fuzile Mfeka, University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) Projects Administrator under the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) at DUT.

Q: Kindly tell us about your role at DUT?

A:  “I work as a University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) Projects Administrator under the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching.”

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

A: “I first joined DUT in 2007 as a first-year undergraduate student. In 2010, I completed my in-service training at the Video Technology Department. I returned in 2018 to 2019 to complete my BTech. In 2021, I was offered the role of UCDP administrator at CELT, where I am currently working.”

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

A:  “I believe commitment is the one closer to me because I always stay dedicated to project goals, follow through on projects, nurture relationships with partner project leaders and members.”

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

A:  “We live in a very competitive and evolving world, so I believe DUT has played the part with adoptive and elaborated young minds to take over the world. For example, I recently saw one of the DUT’s art and design students whose coaster deigns are being sold by big brands.”

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

A : “In order to stay in line with DUT’s ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, I will use a proactive, ongoing learning approach that incorporates the values into my professional development, everyday work, and decision-making.”

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

A:  “I am a very straightforward individual.”

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

A:  “DUT will gain from the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework by enhancing the experiences of staff and students and making sure that everyday procedures are in line with the university’s long-term goal of being innovative, unique, and influential.”

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

A:  “On weekends, I usually take time to reflect on the week’s activities.”

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

A: “By committing to my everyday work, decisions, and relationships with the ideals of ENVISION2030 and by making a significant contribution to the university and working towards a positive impact.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?

A:  “Every day is a new chapter, learn something new, explore and be your authentic self, and I told myself that the world is full of wonders, just do what’s makes you happy.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT?

A:  “I definitely love and enjoy my current job, so my current goal is to improve UCDP-funded initiative impact, quality, and relevance within the institution.”

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

A:  “I would like to be a Monitoring and Evaluation specialist within the government special projects.”