The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is guided by 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 Waheeda Peters recently engaged with Web and Systems Support Officer, Prashanth Sivsaran, from the ML Sultan Campus Library, to gain insight into the Living Values Framework and its alignment with ENVISION2030.

Q: Kindly tell us about your role at DUT?
A: “As the Library Web and Systems Support Officer, I manage and support a wide range of digital platforms that form the backbone of the library’s online presence and services. These include the library website, the library SharePoint instance, the authentication system for the library’s subscribed electronic resources, and various other online services and tools. My role involves managing user access and troubleshooting issues to ensure that all systems work together and that users have reliable, uninterrupted access to electronic resources.”

Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I joined DUT in September 2015 as the Library Computer Technician. In September 2018, I was appointed as the Library Web and Systems Support Officer.”

Q: Among the ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you most identify with and why?
A: “I most identify with the principle of commitment. As a DUT employee, I am fully committed to my role and to ensuring that the Library’s systems and services run reliably and efficiently. Even small issues can have a significant impact on our users. I therefore take ownership of my responsibilities, understand the importance of resolving issues quickly, and remain committed to ensuring uninterrupted access to library services. To me, being committed means being reliable, proactive, and always striving to do better.”

Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: ‘Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.’?
A: “I love this tagline. I think it is powerful and something that all of us at DUT should aspire to. I believe that if we are creative in our thinking, it will lead to distinctive actions in how we work, which can be impactful on our environment and the people we serve.”

Q: How do you plan to keep abreast of the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “I will regularly review the Living Values Framework and assess whether, as an employee of DUT, I am doing what is expected of me to help ensure the university meets its ENVISION2030 goals.”

Q: What is one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “I am an alumnus of DUT (ML Sultan Technikon). I graduated with a National Diploma in Engineering: Computer Systems in 1999.”

Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “I think the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework is a clear blueprint for the university’s future direction. Having it in place ensures that all staff, students, and stakeholders understand the university’s goals and work collectively to achieve the ENVISION2030 statement of intent.”

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “I enjoy spending time with family. I also like going to the beach and watching sport, particularly soccer and Formula One.”

Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “With an increasing number of library resources being accessed through digital platforms, it is very important to ensure that access to these systems is easy and accessible to all users, including those with limited computer literacy. I plan to make a positive impact at DUT by continuously finding ways to improve the systems we use, creating a seamless experience for all users.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “I always start my day with prayer, which is my daily motivation. For me, motivation also comes from knowing that the work I do directly supports users in accessing the resources they need for teaching, learning, and research.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “My future goals at DUT are to continue developing my technical skills and staying up to date with emerging technologies in library systems and digital services.”

Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “I would wish for continued success and growth for DUT.”