The Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Dr Vuyo Mthethwa, in collaboration with the Faculty of Arts and Design hosted an industrial theatre breakfast themed: Living What We Say at the DUT Courtyard Theatre, Ritson Campus, today, 20 October 2022.
The event observed that the 20th October is the International Values Day, an annual campaign to increase the awareness and practice of values around the world.
In welcoming all attendees, Dr Mthethwa wished everyone a happy Values Day, also relaying that the occasion was also held to celebrate and showcase DUT’s values and principles.
In attendance at the event were the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Design at DUT, Professor Runette Kruger, Acting Senior Director of Human Capital Services (HCS), Mr Mxolisi Msomi, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Alan Khan and various DUT staff.
Giving context to the event, Dr Mthethwa said: “This is a day of celebrating ourselves, a day of celebrating our behaviour at DUT. Yesterday, I was in Pietermaritzburg at the unveiling of the DNA helix and one of the things that intrigued me was the fact that we now have a tagline called Creative, Distinctive and Impactful. Therefore, the choice of the Industrial Theatre was precisely to expose us to our values and principles in a creative, distinctive and impactful way, especially celebrating the talents of our students. Given that the Living Values and Principles (LVP) framework has now been approved officially by Council on the 27th of September 2022, it is appropriate for us to roll out these so that as we continue we all know and relate to our expected behaviours as we were all part of the formation of the various expressions that signify how we are to behave. When people see us, we can be recognised and appreciated by our actions that align to the DUT way,” she stressed.
She also challenged all attendees to ‘live what you say’ in accordance with the theme for the day.
Attendees were given a silicon wristband, each of which represent each of DUT’s living values and principles.
“When you wear whatever band it is, whether it’s the transparent or honesty band you must demonstrate even more that particular Value or Principle, not leaving out that it would be expected that all Living Values and Principles are practiced in our deeds and/or behaviours. You will see in the year to come, we are going to continue to bring-to-life these pertinent values and principles that represent our culture as DUT. We want to get to a point where when people look at us they can really resonate with me standing in front of you saying, I am honest. Remember, there are expressions that are linked to those values and principles, so instead of saying what do we mean by transparent, accountability, honesty, fairness; but rather our behaviour is going to show it all, so that somebody who looks at you knows that this person is honest, it’s not what you say but it’s what you do,” commented Dr Mthethwa.
The attendees were treated to a sterling performance by the Drama students, a performance that was put together in two weeks to celebrate DUT’s living values and principles. Prof Kruger, in introducing the cast, expressing her appreciating to this initiative said, “We appreciate the support and I know that you are going to enjoy this and we are going to look at all our values and the principles. So the performance that was put together at short notice that we will see today was written and choreographed by Mduduzi Mtshali from Drama. The students are student volunteers from first to third year and they also wrote their own poems.”
Attendees were treated to lucky draws. Lucky draws of buffs that have been designed specifically with some of the expressions from the LVP framework.
An exciting element of the morning also entailed Mr Msomi giving spot prizes by asking questions pertaining to DUT’s values and principles.
He commented: “While it may be easy to say values or admit to know and memorise them, this does not mean we understand what it actually means. As we have said it’s all about living these values so when people see you, you don’t have to be on a T-shirt written DUT, they just have to see that you are working for DUT or a student for DUT through your behaviour,” he said.
Mr Khan was also given the opportunity to quiz the attendees on their knowledge of DUTs values and principles and rewarding them with prizes.
“People-centred and engaged, innovative and entrepreneurial that is our DNA, it’s our components and here on the Steve Biko Campus its rooted in our DNA helix structure. That is what we unveiled yesterday and Dr Mthethwa was there (Pietermaritzburg) when the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu sealed the time capsule with his letter to whoever will be the Vice-Chancellor in 2031, together with the newspaper depicting what was in the news on 19 October 2022 and branded material,” he said.
Mr Khan also revealed that the same capsule located outside the library in Durban some photographs were inserted from the event so that in 7 to 8 years’ time it can be seen how good-looking everyone were at the DUT.
Dr Mthethwa concluded the event by thanking everyone for their attendance and stating that DUT is going to have lots of activities as they move on so that they just keep on being reminded on what DUT stands for and are proud to do things the DUT way.
Pictured: DUT Drama students showcasing their DUT’s Living Values and Principles through their powerful, theatre performance.
Waheeda Peters
