The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is guided by the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, which comprises 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 with Siphiwe Bekwa, who serves as a Scriber under the Disability Rights Unit, Head of Marketing and Communications for Hult Prize DUT, Deputy President of Enactus DUT, and Project Officer for the Postgraduate Student Association, to gain insight into the Living Values Framework and its alignment with ENVISION2030.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I currently serve as a Scriber under the Disability Rights Unit, Head of Marketing and Communications for Hult Prize DUT, Deputy President of Enactus DUT, and Project Officer for the Postgraduate Student Association.”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I joined DUT in 2018. I completed my Diploma in Ecotourism Management in 2021, an Advanced Diploma in Ecotourism Management in 2022, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Ecotourism Management in 2023. I became involved in student housing structures during my first year, where I served as a Unit Leader at Aloes Residence in 2018. In 2019, I was appointed as the Ecotourism Departmental Representative, where I was responsible for Ecotourism Development 101 under CELT. In 2020, I was appointed as an Advisor for the Green Campus Initiative Executive.”
Q: Among the ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you associate with the most and why?
A: “I associate most strongly with integrity. I believe in always doing the right thing in all circumstances, as I represent both my personal brand and the DUT brand. I also strongly align with commitment. I remain dedicated to every responsibility entrusted to me, motivated by the mission of producing excellence. I believe that if you treat your work and colleagues with respect and promote fairness, success naturally follows.”
Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative. Distinctive. Impactful?
A: “The university has been doing well in being creative, distinctive and impactful through community outreach initiatives, residence programmes, and collaboration between academic departments and Student Services. However, there is still room for further growth and improvement.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast of the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “I am DUT and guided by the university’s values and principles. I intend to continue serving students and the DUT community with the goal of ensuring that DUT shines both locally and globally as a brand. My current studies also align with one of the institution’s Key Performance Indicators, sustainability, which is linked to sustainable development goals.”
Q: What is the one thing most people do not know about you?
A: “During my first year, I received the Greenest Student Award from Student Housing and Residence Life in the Midlands. I remain the only recipient of this award since its introduction, and the category has not been included in the Student Services Awards, which were first hosted in 2024. Additionally, I am the longest serving Ecotourism Departmental Representative, having held the role since 2019.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “The framework has encouraged me to be more mindful of my actions and words, particularly on social media platforms. Most importantly, the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework has significantly contributed to shaping the person I am today.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “In my spare time, I enjoy reading literature on littering, waste management and inner city decay, and exploring how these issues impact tourism.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “Using the experience I have gained, particularly in Student Housing, I plan to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to develop fresh and innovative ideas that can be implemented in residences.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “My daily motivation comes from the song ‘I Was Here’ by Beyoncé. In every opportunity and responsibility entrusted to me, I strive to excel so that I can leave a meaningful mark.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “After completing my Master’s degree, I plan to enrol for a PhD and continue making an impact in the residence space by advocating for sustainability. I am passionate about sustainability because ecotourism is centred on the preservation of nature, wildlife and natural resources.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “I would like to have coffee with Professor Thandwa Mthembu, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Durban University of Technology (DUT).”
