Durban University of Technology (DUT) officially launched the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, comprising five core values: transparency, honesty, integrity, respect and accountability. These values are underpinned by the principles of fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion and excellence. DUT Communications team member, Phiwayinkosi Sibiya recently engaged in a conversation with Sarah Tsitsi Jembere, a lecturer in the Marketing and Retail Management Department, to delve into the living values framework and ENVISION2030.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT.
A: “I am a lecturer in the Marketing and Retail Management Department, driven by the success and growth of my current and former students. My role involves not only imparting and sharing knowledge but also creating opportunities and fostering an environment that empowers students to thrive and achieve their full potential. I am also pursuing my PhD focusing on Artificial Intelligence in Marketing. This research has enabled my students and I to stay at the forefront of current trends and prepare for the evolving demands of present and future job markets. My eyes and ears are always open to prospects for growth and learning. In addition, I am a trailblazer and innovative thinker always looking to inject fresh ideas into my area of expertise and carve a path of true innovation.”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I became part of the DUT family in January 2018.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “It is difficult to choose just one value because they are all interconnected and equally important. I aim to make a meaningful difference in my life and hope that it will impact people’s lives. This is guided by the belief that when the baton is passed to you, it should not stop with you. I strongly believe that my work is not about titles and positions or flowcharts, it is about one life influencing another. Commitment, respect, and compassion are some of the core values I hold dear. I am also a firm subscriber to the Ubuntu philosophy, which emphasises our responsibility to support and protect one another, foster a culture of paying it forward, and build strong networks for collective growth and success.”
Q: What are your views on the DUT tagline: Creative, Distinctive, Impactful?
A: “The DUT tagline reflects our commitment to innovation, uniqueness, and making a meaningful difference, deeply resonates with me.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “I actively seek opportunities to grow through organising training workshops and attending and/or presenting academic papers on local and international platforms.”
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “I thrive on the adrenaline that comes with embracing entirely new projects that become successful through proper strategy. For instance, I take great pride in being one of the pioneers of the Imbali International Conference and am truly impressed by the remarkable progress it has achieved. Recently, Dr Buthelezi, a colleague in my department, and I had the privilege of being part of the organising committee for the ABSA-Ben Africa Conference 2024, which was an extraordinary experience. Reflecting on past new projects I have been involved in fills me with a deep sense of pride and motivation.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “I believe in the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework because it is transformative and enriching. By cultivating a friendly and supportive community, we create an environment that promotes self-improvement, self-awareness, and growth at both the individual and team levels. Together, we can maximise our impact! We are not in competition with each other but weaving our talents and gifts together placing DUT at a competitive edge nationally and globally.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “Do It Yourself (DIY) crafts and projects are my ultimate escape. In those moments, I find incredible inspiration and discover creative solutions. It is a thrilling space that fuels my passion for teaching, learning, research, and everything I do.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “I plan to leverage my skills, experiences, and passion for excellence to contribute meaningfully to the DUT’s ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework. My approach is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and a focus on creating value.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “Fall forward, change is possible if you use God-given talents.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “To expand the current DUT-BANKSETA project further.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “To build a strong, fully furnished hub for differently abled students, enhancing an inclusive, accessible, fun, and challenging learning environment.”
