As of 18 July 2022, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) staff and students have physically returned to campus after the relaxation of the public health mandates and the COVID-19 restrictions. To get insight on getting back to the “new” normal, DUT’s Communications team Zanele Mashaba spoke to Thembeka Gwajuza.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role and the duration you have been at DUT?

A: “I am the Academic Secretary for Public Management Law and Economics, which offers Public Administration and Supply Chain Management and I have been with DUT for over 8 years.”

Q: How has it been like to physically return to campus after the relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions?

A: “It feels amazing and more productive since I get to interact with the students face to face. I was so sceptical about vaccinating because of my heart condition, but I had to vaccinate to gain access to campus. Working from home was a lovely experience and helped me to juggle between work and taking care of my three beautiful kids.”

Q: What are some of your coping mechanisms, helping you adapt to working/studying on site?

A: “Prior to the vaccination rule I was always available on site, somehow for myself that was the coping mechanism due to the loss the department had suffered being on site, which was a way of consoling myself from the tragic loss of one of our own. When we returned fully on 18 July which is also my birthday, I was looking forward to getting back in the game again with no restrictions.”

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

A: “I am an introvert simply because I grew up in a home where I was the only child and I was always told to go read my books; pray about everything; engage and consult with my ancestors daily. I fear being alone with no family and no love. I never go a day without showing love and appreciation to the people I love the most. I will always go outside the scope of duty to assist students.”

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

A: “I do not have any spare time because in between work and my studies I spend a lot of time with my children at home cooking, trying new recipes, watching movies and doing activities to help us bond as a family.”

Q: How do you plan to impact lives at DUT and surrounding?

A: “Giving back and learning how to make an impact on others that alone provides that meaning because it makes life about something much larger than only myself.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?

A: “Giving up is not an option for me, I believe that some people need me more than I need myself.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT?

A: “I wish to grow academically and have a PhD by the year 2024/2025. Be involved in as many entrepreneurial projects possible. Implement the uniform idea once discussed with the Pietermaritzburg campus director, Dr Joe Molete. Fully fledge our third-stream income and non-diploma programme to a stand-alone entity.”

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

A: “The gift of life which comes with many such as love and stability, emotionally, mentally and financially, seeing my children grow old enough to survive even after I’m no more.”