The aim of nurturing a people-centred culture embodies the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) values and principles and is what drives the charismatic Andile Dube to espouse these Living Values through his 10-year-old magazine, Softcopy.
Dube, is the Information and Communications Officer under the helm of the Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD). Prior to joining the faculty, he was an entertainment and lifestyle journalist for the New Age newspaper. In his current role, he is responsible for generating high-quality written material, including news, features, and reports; and maintaining social media platforms and websites to promote the faculty.
As the editor of an amazing DUT magazine called Softcopy, he shared more on the publication, explaining that Softcopy was launched in 2015 by the then Executive Dean, Dr René Smith.
“It was a direct response to calls for improved communication as identified at the outset of the faculty’s strategic planning process. Softcopy was then created as part of the ‘You said: We did’ campaign. When I joined the faculty in 2015, I was tasked with creating Softcopy. At the time we did not have a name for the magazine. Since the magazine was going to be both online and print, myself, and a colleague Frank Kalala, from our Graphic Design programme decided to call it Softcopy,” he commented.
Dube indicated that the purpose for Softcopy is to highlight local talent, inspire a new generation of artists, advance creativity and engage interdisciplinary knowledge.
“For me, Softcopy is a celebration of the amazing work done in the Faculty of Arts and Design. I call it the storybook and repository for the faculty. Every time I work on an edition of Softcopy, I am in awe of the talent, innovation, and creativity in the faculty. Therefore, I hope that when someone reads the magazine, they can reflect on the impact art plays in our daily lives,” he expressed.
For Dube, Softcopy had to be visually appealing and feature thought-provoking as well as inspiring content. He explained that Softcopy has the following sections, awards and honours, news, cover features, special report, exhibitions, seminars, and alumni. “These sections were strategically chosen to appeal to the needs of the target audience while capturing the essence of the achievements of the faculty,” he added.
Dube explained that Softcopy is a quarterly publication and feature content that covers the achievements, projects, and collaborations.
“The content also had to be motivational and inspiring to current students. Therefore, this is the reason the awards and honours section are important because it gives recognition to staff and students who have received awards or recognition for their work. The alumni section is also an inspiration to current students as it features past students who are making strides in their chosen fields,” he remarked.
For Dube, it would be difficult to single out one story as he is always inspired by stories of how people have overcome adversities to achieve their goals.
“So, when I work on the magazine, I always try my best to tell the stories in a way that touches the reader,” he said.
Dube indicated that at the beginning of his journey with Softcopy there were some challenges and that it was difficult to get people to believe in it or even to read it.
“It is still a challenge that I think we have not overcome. I don’t know if this is because people just do not read, or they don’t care. It’s a pity because a lot of work and creativity goes into putting together Softcopy,” he stressed.
Dube expressed that Softcopy plays an integral role at DUT as it not only serves to inform the wider community of what is happening around them, but they shine a light on unsung heroes.
“Specifically, for me, Softcopy is a celebration of the work, the talent and dedication of our staff and students in the Faculty of Arts and Design,” he commented.
By showcasing the expertise, talent, achievements and engagement of the students, alumni, and staff, Dube indicated that the magazine continues to contribute to DUT’s ENVISION2030 statement of intent to improve the lives and livelihoods of people.
Dube says as a journalist he loves telling stories, not just trivial stories but stories that have an impact on people’s lives.
“So, it is my sincere hope that when someone reads Softcopy, they find some sort of inspiration or motivation,” he conveyed.
Dube also expressed his heartfelt thanks to the people who have contributed to Softcopy over the years, Frank Kalala, Nic Human, Andrea Alcock, Jade Smith, Mbuso Nkosi, DUT Communications, the Design Studio unit, and many others. He further added that in 2022 the publication received the prestigious Marketing, Advancement and Communication in Education (MACE) award of excellence (bronze) for best digital magazine in a Higher Education institution in South Africa.
Dube shared that he is constantly looking at ways to improve the magazine. Last year, they had a special edition celebrating graduation. “This year I will have to produce a 10th anniversary special edition. Aside from that, people can look forward to stunning covers, engaging and thought-provoking content. And maybe, this year we will revert to the original idea of Softcopy being available both online and print,” he said.
Pictured: Andile Dube
Waheeda Peters
