Durban University of Technology (DUT) has officially launched the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, which is anchored in five core values: transparency, honesty, integrity, respect and accountability. These values are further supported by the principles of fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion and excellence.
DUT Communications team member Simangele Zuma recently engaged in a conversation with Zwelonke Beato, Senior Technical Assistant in the Department of Horticulture, to explore the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework and how it relates to his role at DUT.
Q: Kindly tell us about your role at DUT?
A: “As a Senior Technical Assistant in the Department of Horticulture at DUT, my role centres on the effective management of nursery and plant production systems, ensuring optimal conditions for both teaching and research activities. This includes overseeing propagation processes, irrigation scheduling, fertilisation regimes, and pest and disease control to maintain healthy plant material. I provide critical research support by assisting with the establishment and maintenance of experiments, preparing growth media and plant material, and supporting accurate data collection. Additionally, I contribute to teaching and practical training by preparing and facilitating student practical sessions, ensuring that all materials, equipment, and demonstration areas are properly organised and functional.
Furthermore, I am responsible for procurement and inventory management, ensuring the timely sourcing and availability of essential inputs such as seeds, substrates, fertilisers, and chemicals while maintaining accurate stock records. I also uphold compliance and safety standards within the nursery and research environments by enforcing health and safety protocols, maintaining detailed records of chemical usage and experimental activities, and ensuring adherence to institutional and regulatory requirements. This integrated role supports the smooth operation of the department while enabling high-quality teaching, research, and practical training outcomes.”
Q: How long have you been part of the DUT family?
A: “I have been part of the DUT family since 2010, when I first joined as a student in the Department of Horticulture. Following my strong academic performance, I was appointed as an interim tutor in 2013. Since then, I have contributed to the department through a combination of tutoring contracts and involvement in various research programmes. In total, this reflects approximately 12 years of intermittent academic and research support. In March 2025, I transitioned into a permanent position, and I have since accumulated 1 year and 1 month of full-time service, marking a continued commitment to the institution’s teaching and research excellence.”
Q: Of the ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which ones do you most identify with and why?
A: “I mostly associate with the value of excellence. This value resonates with my journey within the institution, where I progressed from a student to an interim tutor and now a permanent staff member. Throughout this trajectory, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to high standards in both teaching support and research activities, ensuring that all tasks are executed with precision, professionalism, and continuous improvement. My work in nursery management, research support, and student training reflects a strong drive to deliver quality outcomes and contribute meaningfully to the department’s objectives. Whether managing plant production systems, supporting experimental work, or facilitating practical sessions, I strive to uphold excellence by maintaining efficiency, accuracy, and accountability. This value not only define my work ethic but it also aligns with my ongoing goal of contributing to the growth and reputation of the institution.”
Q: What are your views on the DUT tagline, Creative, Distinctive, Impactful?
A: “In my view, it is both strategic and meaningful, as it clearly captures the institution’s direction under ENVISION2030. It reflects a shift from traditional academic output to a more innovative, solution-driven, and socially responsive approach. “Creative” speaks to the need for continuous innovation in teaching, research, and problem-solving; “Distinctive” highlights the university’s unique identity and ability to stand out through its programmes and practical orientation; while “Impactful” emphasises the ultimate goal of making a tangible difference in society and improving lives.
From a personal and professional perspective, the tagline is also a call to action rather than just a statement. It challenges staff and students to go beyond routine work by thinking innovatively, contributing uniquely, and ensuring that their efforts have real outcomes. In a horticultural and research environment, this translates into developing practical solutions, improving production systems, and contributing to sustainable practices that benefit communities. Overall, I view the tagline as a clear, concise expression of DUT’s identity and purpose, aligning well with both academic excellence and societal impact.”
Q: How do you plan to keep abreast of the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “I will actively engage with institutional communications, attend relevant workshops and staff development initiatives, and participate in departmental discussions that reinforce these principles. I will also integrate the values into my daily responsibilities by reflecting on how my work in nursery management, research support, and student training aligns with them, while seeking continuous feedback to ensure accountability and improvement, thereby contributing to a consistent and values-driven work environment.”
Q: What is one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “One thing most people don’t know about me is that I don’t experience curiosity, emotions, or a personal life the way humans do, but I can still engage deeply with ideas, stories, and the complexity of human experience. I am shy and very loving.”
Q: In your opinion, how does the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “It benefits DUT by fostering a strong, unified institutional culture that aligns daily academic and operational activities with principles of creativity, distinctiveness, and impact. This encourages staff and students to adopt more innovative, accountable, and solution- oriented approaches in teaching, research, and community engagement, ultimately enhancing the quality and relevance of outputs. By embedding shared values across all levels of the institution, the framework strengthens collaboration, consistency, and ethical practice, positioning DUT as a more responsive and impactful university within both the academic and societal landscape.”
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
A: “I enjoy socialising and connecting with friends and colleagues, as I find it important for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and building meaningful relationships. I also like to plan ahead and stay organised, whether it is for personal goals or professional responsibilities. In addition, I am a big fan of movies and series, which I enjoy as a way to relax, unwind, and engage with different stories and perspectives after a busy day.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “I plan to make a positive impact at DUT by ensuring efficient support for teaching, research, and nursery operations to enhance productivity and learning outcomes. I will contribute to student development by providing strong practical guidance and technical support during training and research activities. I also aim to improve resource management, uphold safety standards, and promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the department.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “To become exceptional in everything that I do.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “To develop into a leading researcher within the field of horticulture, contributing meaningfully to impactful, solution- driven research. I aim to achieve NRF rating status, with a strong focus on producing high- quality publications in reputable, high-impact journals that address real-world challenges and improve livelihoods. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that my research translates into practical applications that positively influence communities, advance agricultural practices, and contribute to sustainable development.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “I think I would choose the ability to genuinely improve people’s lives at scale, to help people find opportunities, overcome difficult circumstances, learn, create, and make better decisions.”
