Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently approved the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework. The five values are identified as transparency, honesty, integrity, respect and accountability. The principles espoused are fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion and excellence. DUT’s Communications team, Nomvelo Zulu spoke to Mr Avhatakali Lazarus Nenungwi, Director: Organisational Development and Talent Management; DUT Human Capital Services.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I am a Director: Organisational Development and Talent Management; DUT Human Capital Services. My role is to manage the design and implementation of organisational and talent management related strategies and methodologies. I also proactively identify strategic opportunities for change and to direct and oversee the management of change in support of DUT’s strategic and operational plans. I am also responsible for implementing a learning and development strategy for DUT as well as ensuring compliance with relevant skills development legislation and policies.”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I joined DUT on 01 December 2022, so I have been with DUT for just two months.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “I equally associate with all the ENVISION2030 values and principles, at the present moment ‘excellence’ seems to be resonating with me more. I am fascinated by the idea of consistent dedication to sustained quality improvement that exceeds expectations in all that we do and are. Excellence is state of being, an identity that should always translate into impactful actions.”
Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative. Distinctive. Impactful?
A: “I find the tagline extremely inspiring; it talks to me in a loud and clear way. The world has changed and continues to change at a fast pace as such there are new problems that require creative minds, that stand out in a unique way. Ultimately everything we do should have a positive impact on society at large. The tagline inspires action, I like it.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “I have studied the document many times and I continue to do so, I reflect on the ENVISION2030 regularly, sometimes quite deeply. What I find useful is having strategic conversations with colleagues and leaders in the organisation. We need to live ENVISION2030 if we are to realise its aspirations. A lot of progress has been made of course and that is inspiring.”
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “Most people know very little about me because I am new. Well, I lead a fairly transparent life so I would not think that there is anything unknown about me except secrets, that I would like to keep that way.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “The ENVISION2030 has managed to strengthen DUT’s brand in the market, the brand value has seen a huge improvement since the inception on ENVISION2030, the recent global rating is one example of the impact of ENVISION2030. There is also a sense of purpose and pride across the whole institution, which is very promising. The progress that DUT has made in transformation is also very impressive.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “I like being in nature, especially hiking and camping.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “I have adopted ENVISION2030 as a bible for my unit’s contribution to the institution, the leadership in HCS has created a very compelling environment for me and the team to contribute. I have brought new ideas and practices from my previous life and work experience, however I will also improve existing practices that have proved effective. The key is in teamwork, everyone has a role so we need to all collaborate since ‘we are different parts of the same body’ which is DUT. My approach has always been about ‘service’. I am here to enable and support the core business to excel, that will take collaboration and working together as a team.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “I aim to help others breathe just a little bit better each day, that is what drives me daily.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “I want to ensure that DUT becomes the best in my area of responsibility, I also want to capacitate and enable core business with agile and efficient systems, processes and structures that will stand the test of time, outlive my tenure at DUT. I am driven by the desire to create legacy.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “Stop electricity load-shedding please.”
