As part of its ENVISION2030 strategy, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) aspires to produce adaptive graduates who will participate productively in the development of the region, the country, and the world. Through sport, the University continues to nurture discipline, leadership, teamwork, and holistic student development.
Tiyani Mboweni, a member of the DUT Communications team, recently engaged with DUT Karate star Rethabile Mphuthi, who graduated with Bachelor of Health Sciences in Diagnostic Radiography at the 2026 DUT Autumn Graduation Ceremony, to share her journey in sport, her passion for Karate, and how she lives the DUT Living Values through her involvement in varsity sport.
Name: Rethabile Lucille Mphuthi
Place of birth: Harrismith, Free State
Sport code: Karate
Qualification: Bachelor of Health Sciences in Diagnostic Radiography
Q: When did you join the DUT sport team?
A: “I joined the DUT Karate team during my first year of studies in 2022. Stepping onto the tatami representing the university was a major milestone for me, and it quickly became a second home where I could balance the intense demands of my academic workload.”
Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?
A: “Karate is so much more than just a combat sport, to me it is a way of life. What initially drew me to it was the profound sense of discipline, self-defence and mental clarity it offers. It challenges you to master your mind just as much as your physical body. The pursuit of continuous self-improvement both on and off the mat is what truly kept me hooked.”
Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what is entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “In karate, your ‘position’ is defined by your discipline, competing in Kumite (sparring) and Kata (form), but more importantly, by your role within the squad. Having had the honour of serving as the Chairperson of the DUT Karate Club, my role was to anchor the team through leadership, strategy, and morale. Whether I am competing individually or leading from the front, it entails maintaining absolute focus under pressure, mentoring younger athletes, and fostering a fierce sense of unity. A cohesive, disciplined team lifts everyone’s performance.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: “I have a deep interest in tennis; the tactical focus, precision, and quick court movement have always fascinated me. Before diving fully into karate, I actually used to run track and play ladies’ soccer. Those sport codes laid a fantastic foundation for my athletic journey, building the explosive speed, endurance, and agility that I now rely on so heavily on the karate mat.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “The biggest and most memorable tournament for me has been the South African Nationals. It was a massive milestone in my competitive career, especially because my performance and dedication on the mat led to me being recognized by Shihan Kenny. Having that level of validation on a national stage was an incredible reward for all the hard work and long hours of training.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sport?
A: “Sport is a powerful catalyst for holistic human development. When DUT invests in student-athletes, it isn’t just producing match winners; it is forging resilient, adaptive leaders. Sport teaches you how to navigate failure, how to work within a team, and how to manage your time under immense pressure, skills that are completely indispensable when you step out into the professional world.”
Q: Who is your role model and why?
A: “While I would not call her a role model per se, I deeply admire my coach, Gugu Mngomezulu. I have immense respect for her incredible fighting skills and the way she commands the sport. Beyond that, I draw inspiration from elite martial artists and leaders who use their platform to uplift others. Anyone who demonstrates absolute mastery over their craft while maintaining profound humility and a commitment to community mentorship is someone I look up to. They remind me that true success is measured by how many people you pull up with you.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 living values and principles do you associate with and why?
A: “I deeply resonate with Commitment, Respect and Integrity. In karate, respect for your opponent, your sensei, and yourself is paramount. Integrity guides how you train when no one is watching, and commitment is what gets you to the finish line, whether that means completing a gruelling academic degree in Diagnostic Radiography or pushing through the final seconds of a championship match. These values are the exact bridge between being a great athlete and a productive, conscious citizen.”
Q: Do you see a future in your sport?
A: “Absolutely. While my professional path takes me into healthcare, karate is a lifelong journey. I see my future in the sport evolving from active elite competition to leadership, coaching, and sports administration, ensuring that the next generation of young women, especially in healthcare and universities, have the space and support to excel in martial arts.”
Q: As a DUT star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “Being a student-athlete and a club chairperson has given me a platform to mentor others. It allows me to show young people from my hometown and my fellow radiography students that you do not have to choose between academic excellence and sporting success, you can conquer both. By advocating for health, discipline, and active living, I hope to inspire a culture of resilience in the communities I serve.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: Karate has completely anchored my life. It gave me the mental fortitude to balance long hours of clinical training and academic research without losing my focus. It has taught me how to be calm in the middle of a storm, built my confidence as a leader, and connected me with a nationwide family of dedicated individuals. It shaped my character fundamentally.
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sports?
A: “We need to build a stronger culture of engagement by leveraging creative digital storytelling. Sharing behind-the-scenes journeys of the athletes for instance their struggles, triumphs, and daily grinds that can create an emotional connection that makes students want to come to the stands and cheer. Additionally, hosting vibrant, energetic match-day events with music, fan challenges, and collaborative half-time activations with student societies would turn varsity games into must-attend campus experiences. Also students love free things, if they hear Free T-shirts or Free food, I guarantee you they’ll show up.”
