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, Phiwayinkosi Sibiya recently engaged in a conversation with Nomfundo Zakwe, the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) coordinator and extended curriculum program (ECP) administrator within the Department of Finance and Information Management to delve into the living values framework and ENVISION2030
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I currently serve as a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) coordinator and extended curriculum program (ECP) administrator within the Department of Finance and Information Management. My role involves coordinating workplace learning opportunities for students, strengthening partnerships with industry, and supporting students as they transition from university to the world of work. As an ECP administrator, I contribute to initiatives that enhance student success, retention, and academic development. What I find most rewarding is being able to positively influence students’ educational journeys and help prepare them for successful careers.”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I have been part of the DUT family for over a decade, first as a student and now as a staff member. DUT has played a significant role in shaping both my personal and professional development, and I am proud to contribute to an institution that continues to transform lives through education.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 living values and principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “The principle I most associate with it is compassion. Throughout my personal and professional journey, I have come to appreciate the profound impact that empathy, kindness, and understanding can have on people’s lives. Compassion guides how I interact with students, colleagues, and stakeholders, and it reminds me that every individual has a unique story and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”
Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative, Distinctive, Impactful?
A: “I believe the tagline perfectly reflects the identity and aspirations of DUT. “Creative” speaks to innovation and our ability to develop solutions for real-world challenges. “Distinctive” highlights the unique qualities that set DUT apart as a university of technology. “Impactful” resonates deeply with me because it emphasizes the positive influence we have on students, communities, industries, and society. Together, these words capture the essence of who we are and who we aspire to be.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “I intend to stay informed through institutional communications, workshops, seminars, and engagement opportunities related to the framework. More importantly, I believe that understanding the framework goes beyond reading about it; it requires actively living the values in our daily interactions and decision-making processes.”
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “Many people do not know that I am currently writing a book titled Beyond Survival: A Journey of Resilience and Hope. Through this project, I hope to share my experiences, inspire others, and contribute to conversations around resilience, mental health, leadership, and personal growth.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “The framework provides a shared set of values and principles that can strengthen the culture of the institution. It encourages ethical leadership, accountability, professionalism, and mutual respect while fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. By embracing these values, DUT can continue to build a positive, inclusive, and high-performing environment for both staff and students.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “In my spare time, I enjoy reading, writing, community engagement, and advocacy work. I am passionate about mental health awareness and youth development, and I enjoy participating in initiatives that contribute to social change. I also value spending quality time with family and friends and engaging in activities that promote personal growth and well-being.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “I plan to continue making a positive impact by supporting student success, strengthening industry partnerships, and creating opportunities that enhance graduate employability. I am particularly passionate about mentoring students, promoting inclusion, and contributing to initiatives that empower young people to reach their full potential. I believe that investing in students today creates leaders who will positively impact society tomorrow.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “My daily motivation comes from knowing that the work I do has the potential to change lives. Seeing students overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and realise their potential reminds me why I chose a career in higher education. Every success story, no matter how small, serves as a reminder that our work matters.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “My future goals include completing my master’s degree, contributing to research in work-integrated learning and student success, strengthening collaborations between academia and industry, and continuing to support initiatives that promote inclusion, well-being, and graduate employability. I aspire to grow as both an academic professional and a leader while making a meaningful contribution to the university.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “My one wish would be to see every young person, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to quality education, opportunities, and support systems that enable them to realize their full potential. I believe education has the power to transform lives, families, and communities, and I would love to see more young people empowered to achieve their dreams.”
