Durban University of Technology (DUT) has officially launched the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, anchored in five core values: transparency, honesty, integrity, respect and accountability. These are supported by the principles of fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion and excellence.

DUT Communications team member Simangele Zuma recently spoke to Nonhlanhla Ngwenya, a Project Management Practitioner at the Online Distance Learning unit about the Living Values Framework and how it relates to her role at DUT.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?

A: “I am a Project Management Practitioner within DUT’s Online Distance Learning (ODL) unit. My role involves coordinating project planning, monitoring progress, managing risks and dependencies, and supporting collaboration across the different portfolios. I help translate our objectives into clear actions and keep implementation focused on delivering quality online learning opportunities.”

Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?

A: “I joined the DUT family in June 2026.”

Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?

A: “I associate most strongly with accountability. In project management, taking ownership means following through on commitments, communicating challenges early and working towards solutions. For me, accountability also means recognising how my work affects others and ensuring that colleagues can rely on my contribution.”

Q: What are your views on the DUT tagline: Creative, Distinctive, Impactful?

A: “To me, this tagline is a call to turn ideas into meaningful results. ‘Creative’ encourages us to explore better ways of working. ‘Distinctive’ challenges us to contribute our unique strengths, and ‘Impactful’ reminds us that our efforts should improve people’s lives.”

Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?

A: “I plan to stay informed through institutional communications, workshops and team discussions. I also want to make regular reflection part of my work by considering how the values influence my decisions, communication and relationships. Seeking feedback from colleagues will help me identify where I can improve and put the framework into practice more consistently.”

Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?

A: “My professional background extends beyond project management into civil engineering, risk management and business management. This combination has shaped how I approach challenges: I enjoy understanding how different parts fit together and turning complex ideas into practical, achievable plans.”

Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?

A: “I believe the framework can strengthen trust, collaboration and shared responsibility across DUT. When we practise its values consistently, we create an environment where people feel respected, decisions are made ethically and commitments are taken seriously. This can improve both the experience of working at DUT and the quality of support we provide to students.”

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: “I enjoy activities that allow me to recharge and continue growing, whether that means watching documentaries, learning something new or spending quality time with loved ones.”

Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?

A: “I plan to contribute by bringing structure, clarity and dependable follow-through to the projects I support. This includes improving coordination between portfolios, identifying risks early and helping colleagues resolve challenges together. Through this work, I hope to support an ODL environment that makes quality education more accessible and supports student success.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?

A: “My daily motivation is the opportunity to grow while contributing to something meaningful. Knowing that the work we do can help create educational opportunities gives purpose to the everyday tasks. I am also motivated by progress, seeing a challenge resolved, a team achieve a milestone, or an idea become a practical outcome.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT?

A: “My goals are to contribute to the successful implementation and continued growth of ODL, strengthen project management practices, and further develop as a leader. I would like to help establish reliable processes that support collaboration, quality delivery and continuous improvement, while building my ability to contribute to DUT’s broader strategic objectives.

Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?

A: “My wish would be for Heaven to have visiting hours.”