The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has adopted the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, centred around five core values: transparency, honesty, integrity, respect and accountability. These values are supported by the key principles of fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion, and excellence. DUT Communications Team Member, Thabile Shinga recently engaged in a conversation with  Yolanda Mpotulo, an intern in Real Estate Management at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) to delve deeper into the Living Values Framework and ENVISION2030.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?

A: “ I am a civil engineering intern at DUT specializing in project management within the Infrastructure Projects division of Real Estate Management. My role involves assisting in the oversight of various infrastructure-related projects, including the ongoing constructions at Steve Biko and Ritson campuses.”

Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?  

A: “I have been a member of the DUT family for six years, beginning in 2019 as an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering. I furthered my studies by completing a Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Civil Engineering in 2023. In 2024, I was fortunate to be accepted as a Civil Engineering Intern at DUT, a position I hold to this day.”

Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?  

A:  “I mostly resonate with integrity. Integrity isn’t just about being honest—it’s the foundation that ties all other values and principles together. When we act with integrity, we ensure that our actions, decisions, and communications are consistent and ethical, which in turn reinforces trust, accountability, and respect. In a DUT community that upholds transparency, fairness, and excellence, integrity serves as the cornerstone, making it possible for all other values to shine in everyday interactions. As one DUT community member aptly noted, integrity sums up almost all the ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles.”

Q:  What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative, Distinctive, Impactful? 

A: “I find the new tagline inspiring. It encapsulates DUT’s drive to foster innovation (creative), stand out in a competitive landscape (distinctive), and make a lasting difference in both academic and community environments (impactful). It resonates well with our commitment to excellence and positive change.”

Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?  

A: “I plan to stay informed by actively engaging with DUT’s communications—attending workshops, participating in townhalls, and reading updates on the official DUT website. This proactive approach will ensure that I am always aligned with the latest developments and initiatives under ENVISION2030.”

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

A:  “Although I may initially appear somewhat unapproachable, I become quite open once I am familiar with someone.”

Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT? 

A:  “The framework is set to reinforce a culture of ethical behavior and accountability. By embedding values like transparency, integrity, and respect, it will enhance collaboration, drive excellence, and ultimately transform DUT into an even more supportive and innovative institution.”

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

A: “Besides watching true-crime documentaries that sometimes make me think I should be a detective, I also read research articles as I plan to further my studies.”

Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?  

A: “I aim to make a positive impact by actively participating in initiatives that promote our core values.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?  

A: “My daily motivation comes from a deep-seated desire to live authentically and make a meaningful difference.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT? 

A: “My future goals include furthering my academic and professional development. I also hope to inspire my peers to embrace our shared values for a better, more impactful DUT.”

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

A: “I would wish to fast-forward to the future to assess my personal growth and accomplishments, not solely in my professional career but also in my development as an individual.”