As part of its ENVISION2030 strategy, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is committed to producing adaptive graduates who contribute meaningfully to the development of the region, South Africa and the world. Through sport, the University continues to cultivate discipline, leadership, teamwork and resilience, while promoting the holistic development of students both on and off the field.
S’bonelo Dlamini, a member of the DUT Communications team, recently sat down with DUT Rugby star Anele Ngcobo to discuss her sporting journey, what inspired her passion for e-Sport and how she embodies the DUT Living Values through her participation in university sport.
Name: Anele Ngcobo
Place of birth: Durban, Umlazi
Sport code: Rugby
Qualification: Advanced Diploma in Marketing
Q: When did you join the DUT sport team?
A: “I joined it 2023, during my first year.”
Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?
A: “Curiosity. I have always a been a curious individual and I would always ask myself why are people playing this sport. I then decided to join to see for myself and I’ve been loving it since.”
Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what it entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “I play as a lock and flanker. These 2 positions assist a lot in scrums and lineouts by keeping the scrum steady and receiving or stealing the ball at lineouts.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: “Swimming. I love being in water, it’s just filled with tranquillity.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “Club Champions tournament.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sport?
A: “Sports can help a lot with the wellbeing of students. For whenever school becomes overwhelming, it can be their safe space to reduce the stress. It can also provide opportunities for students to travel countless times.”
Q: Who is your role model and why?
A: “My mother. Through her I can see that nothing is impossible, all your hard work and dedication does not go into vain. She keeps me motivated to keep going.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 living values and principles do you associate with and why?
A: “Respect. I believe every single person you encounter deserves respect because it can take you a long way. It is also important to respect yourself as well.”
Q: Do you see a future in your sport?
A: “Yes I do.”
Q: As a DUT star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “I believe that my visibility inspires others, especially women, that all things are possible. No matter the circumstance, the difficulty and the patriarchal system there is, you are strong and can do anything you put your mind into.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “Having to balance between school and sports has taught me to be disciplined. All the physical performance and academic pressure makes me push myself to be the better student and athlete.”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sports?
A: “Implement campus marketing by setting up banners to inform students about upcoming games and constantly remind them on outlook or notice boards. Also utilise the DUT page to post about upcoming games.”
