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 Athletics star Ayesha Nomfundo Goge, who graduated with a Diploma in Management Science: Marketing at the 2026 DUT Autumn Graduation Ceremony, to share her journey in sport, her passion for athletics and how she lives the DUT Living Values through her involvement in varsity sport.
Name: Ayesha Nomfundo Goge
Place of birth: Umlazi, Durban
Sport code: Athletics
Qualification: Diploma in Management Science: Marketing
Q: When did you join the DUT sport team?
A: “I joined the DUT Athletics team in 2024. I have loved athletics from a very young age, and over time my passion for the sport has continued to grow. The athletics community makes what is often seen as an individual sport feel alive, energetic and inspiring. It has taught me that giving up is never an option, and that is a principle I apply in every aspect of my life.”
Q: What sparked your interest in this sport?
A: “Beyond competition, I believe my role is also to encourage and support my teammates. Athletics is often viewed as an individual sport, but success comes through collective effort, where every athlete contributes points and motivates one another to perform at their best. I believe I play that supportive role very well.”
Q: In terms of the role you play as a student athlete and graduate, kindly elaborate on what it entails and how it benefits members of the athletics community.
A: “Being a student athlete and now a graduate represents the successful balance between academic excellence and sporting achievement. It reflects discipline, resilience, commitment and effective time management because both education and high performance sport require dedication and perseverance. Graduating while actively participating in sport demonstrates that student athletes can excel both on the field and in the classroom, inspiring others to pursue their academic and sporting goals at the same time.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: “Recently, I have developed a strong interest in tennis and padel. The competitiveness, mindset and style associated with these sports really appeal to me. Football and rugby will always remain among my favourite sports because I have enjoyed following them for many years.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “I have not yet participated in any major tournaments, mainly because of injuries, transitioning from track to field events and meeting qualifying standards. I am looking forward to participating in this year’s Absa Run Your City 10 km events, as well as the 2026 to 2027 track and field season on a social level.”
Q: Why is it important for DUT to develop students through sport?
A: “As a student athlete myself, I have experienced that participating in sport builds character and teaches perseverance. It challenges students to balance academic responsibilities with training and competition, helping them develop skills that extend far beyond the athletics field. These skills also contributed to me successfully completing my Diploma. Developing students through sport is therefore an investment in both individual success and the University’s legacy.”
Q: Who is your role model and why?
A: “I have many role models, and I often laugh about it because I draw inspiration from everyone around me. However, I would definitely say my mother is my greatest role model. She has always supported me and shaped me into the young woman I am today, for which I will always be grateful. She is also incredibly cool, and I think some of that rubbed off on me because I believe I am pretty cool too. I also look up to community mentors because they remind me that true success is measured by how many people you uplift along the way.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 Living Values do you identify with most and why?
A: “Excellence resonates with me because I believe in continuously improving myself and always giving my best in everything I do. Accountability is equally important because I take responsibility for my performance, preparation and personal development. As a student athlete, balancing academics and sport requires discipline and ownership of my goals.”
Q: Do you see a future in your sport?
A: “Yes, I do see a future in athletics, although my aspirations have shifted from competing to contributing behind the scenes. Having recently graduated, I am now focused on building a career in sports marketing and media. As a former student athlete, I understand the dedication, challenges and stories that exist within sport. I want to use that perspective to help grow athletics through strategic marketing, digital content and media coverage.”
Q: As a DUT Athletics star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “I aim to be a positive role model in my community by leading through example. I show that balancing academics and sport is possible with commitment and hard work, and I encourage others to pursue their goals with confidence, both on and off the field.”
Q: What impact has sport had on your life?
A: “Sport has had a significant impact on my life by teaching me discipline, resilience and perseverance. It has pushed me beyond my comfort zone, helped me build confidence and taught me how to balance responsibilities. Through athletics, I have also formed meaningful relationships and discovered a passion for contributing to sport beyond competition through marketing and media.”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract more spectators to varsity sport?
A: “I believe varsity sport should be marketed as an experience rather than just a competition. Engaging social media content, athlete storytelling, match highlights and behind the scenes videos can help build stronger connections with students. Hosting themed match days with music, food stalls, giveaways and fan competitions can create an exciting atmosphere that encourages more people to attend. Partnering with student societies and influencers can further increase visibility and make varsity sport an important part of campus culture.”
