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 Prim-Rose Makhosazane Shabane, the DUT Lecturer at International Centre of Nonviolence (ICON), to delve into the living values framework and ENVISION2030.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I am a lecturer at the International Centre of Nonviolence (ICON). From 2021, I was teaching the Leadership101 module from the General Education course.”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I joined the DUT community on 1 September 2021.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “Integrity, because the value of integrity is very vital when one’s daily interactions are with people. In a university space integrity forms the foundation of trust, accountability and ethical scholarship. As a lecturer at DUT, it is my duty to uphold academic honesty, through my work and publications, build a culture of trust and respect within DUT people and prepare students that will become ethical leaders and to always be the DUT ambassador by always strengthening the institution’s reputation. For me, integrity is not just a personal value, it is a professional and institutional necessity.”
Q: What are your views on the DUT tagline: Creative, Distinctive, Impactful?
A: “The tagline is powerful and well-aligned with the identity and mission of a 21st-century university of technology. What makes the tagline relevant and effective is that for DUT, creativity is important because the university wants to highlight its commitment to innovation and originality. This will be achieved though promoting an ethos of innovation in both teaching and research. Distinctive, grounds DUT’s mission in action. It is also a confident claim that as the university, DUT does not just follow trends but sets its own path and invites other universities to recognise its difference. By being impactful, DUT positions itself as an institution that produces graduates and research that matter, that has a potential to lead to real-world transformation.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “My plan is to stay aligned with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, by remaining actively engaged with DUT’s ongoing conversations, workshops and initiatives that promote its core values. I will continuously reflect on how values such as integrity, respect, accountability and compassion are reflected in my work and interactions within the university space. Furthermore, I intend to integrate these values into my decision-making processes, whether in academic writing, collaborative projects, or community engagement.”
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “One thing most people do not know about me is that I carry entire worlds in silence. While I might seem composed, I have weathered storms most will never see and it is those unseen battles that fuel my empathy, resilience and passion for creating spaces where others, particularly youth can be seen and heard.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “ENVISION2030 provides a clear, values-driven roadmap that aligns DUT with both local relevance and global impact. DUT prepares graduates not just for employment but to become great leaders to address complex global challenges. Graduate that will be able to compete globally, be adaptive and bring social change in their spaces.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “In my spare time, I enjoy a mix of creative and calming activities. I love reading thought-provoking books, cleaning and going on long drives to clear my mind. I also enjoy spending time with daughter and my family.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “I plan to make a positive impact at DUT by living out the university’s values through my daily actions. This includes engaging respectfully with peers and staff, contributing to a supportive and inclusive environment and actively participating in initiatives that align with the ENVISION2030 strategy.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “My daily motivation comes from a deep desire to grow and to make a difference, no matter how small. Knowing that each day is a new opportunity to learn, to be kind, to show up for others and for myself, keeps me grounded. I am also motivated by the people who believe in me and by those who face challenges with courage and keep going. Their resilience reminds me to stay committed to my purpose and to keep striving, even when things feel tough.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “My future goals at DUT include not only excelling academically but also contributing to the university community in meaningful ways. I hope to engage with both the faculty and students in collaborative projects that promote inclusivity, social responsibility and innovation. Also, I want to ensure that my experiences at DUT shape me into someone who can contribute to a positive change in society, whether in my chosen field or through community-based initiatives.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “If I were granted a wish, it would be for the ability to inspire and empower others, mostly young people to believe in their potential, especially those who may feel overlooked or undervalued. I want to create an environment where every person feels supported in pursuing their dreams, no matter their background. I believe when we uplift each other we all rise, and that collective strength is a wish I would want to make a reality.”
