As part of its ENVISION2030 strategy, the Durban University of Technology DUT aims to produce adaptive graduates who will participate meaningfully in the development of their region, the country and beyond. S’bonelo Dlamini, a member of DUT’s Communications team, recently spoke with DUT sailing star Lindokuhle Nsibande about her student experience balancing sport and academics and how she embodies the DUT Living Values.
Name: Lindokuhle Nsibande
Place of birth: Madadeni, Newcastle
Sport code: Sailing
Qualification: Diploma in Shipping and Logistics
Q: When did you join the DUT sport team?
A: “I officially joined the DUT Sailing Club at the beginning of 2025.”
Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?
A: “I discovered sailing by chance when I was selected for a sailing programme in 2021 at Mowat Park High School. What started as an opportunity to try something new quickly turned into a passion for the technicality of the sport. The adrenaline of being out on the water and the constant learning curve kept me coming back. Five years later, I am driven to see how far I can take my skills, leading me to where I am today with the DUT Sailing Club.”
Q: In terms of the role you have in the club, elaborate what it entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “As a trimmer, I am responsible for constantly fine tuning the sail shape to catch every gust of wind, ensuring we maintain maximum speed at all times. This directly benefits the team by providing the power needed to outpace our competitors. Off the water, I serve as the Club Secretary where I act as the team’s administrative anchor. By managing our logistics and communication, I ensure the club runs smoothly so that our sailors can focus entirely on the race. Whether I am adjusting a sail or performing my administrative duties, my goal is to drive the DUT Sailing Club towards peak performance.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: “I am also interested in chess, but I mainly enjoy it as a leisure activity with my siblings or friends.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “The biggest tournaments I have participated in include MSC Week and USSA Sailing.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sport?
A: “Developing students in sport is vital because it fosters holistic excellence beyond the classroom. Sport instils discipline, time management and leadership, which are soft skills that make students more employable. It also creates a sense of belonging and school spirit, which improves student retention and mental wellbeing while promoting a healthy, high energy lifestyle that supports academic focus.”
Q: Who is your role model and why?
A: “My role model is Wendy Appelbaum. I have always admired how she navigates high stakes business with an assertive leadership style that commands respect. She bridges the gap between the corporate intensity of the JSE and the precision of running a world class wine estate, proving that you can lead a boardroom while staying deeply connected to nature. As a sailor and Club Secretary, I aim for that same balance. On the water, you have to be technically sharp to trim for speed, yet humble enough to listen to the elements. I use the discipline I have gained in the sport to sharpen my professional resilience, mirroring Wendy’s ability to thrive in demanding environments without losing her passion for the outdoors.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 living values and principles do you associate with and why?
A: “Accountability is a key value I associate with. As a trimmer, I have to commit to what I am doing and stay physically and mentally focused to keep the team moving. There is no room for half measures when the wind picks up. In my role as Club Secretary, I am also accountable as I am responsible for the logistics and the safety of the crew behind the scenes. Balancing these two roles has taught me the essence of the ENVISION2030 principles, being adaptive and resilient enough to adjust my sails whenever the wind changes, whether I am on or off the water.”
Q: Do you see a future in your sport?
A: “Yes, I do. I hope to one day sail in events such as the Lipton Cup, Round the Island, as well as the NYYC Women’s International Championship.”
Q: As a DUT star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “My role benefits the community by breaking barriers and providing visible representation. Sailing is often seen as an unreachable sport, but as a student from Mowat Park now leading at DUT, I serve as proof that talent and discipline can open doors to any arena. As a trimmer and Secretary, I represent the professional standards of DUT in the public eye, proving that DUT students are disciplined, capable and ready to lead both on and off the water.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “Sailing has had a very positive impact on my mental health as I often use it as a method of releasing stress. When I am on the water, the noise of daily life, including emails, deadlines and social pressures, is replaced by the immediate demands of the wind and sea. I shift into a state of focus that forces me to be present, allowing personal stressors to become more manageable. Ultimately, sailing has taught me that while I cannot control the wind, I can always adjust my sails, a lesson in resilience that carries far beyond the harbour.”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sports?
A: “To get people excited about varsity sports such as sailing, we have to bring the energy from the water back to the shore. I believe in turning a race into a festival. Since sailing can feel distant if you are standing on the beach or at the harbour, I would set up a fan zone with live commentary and drone feeds so that students and other spectators can see the tactical nature of the race.”
