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 and Marketing Officer from the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Silindile Buthelezi, recently engaged in a conversation with Asanda Isaac Zangwa, a Lecturer in the Maritime Studies Department and coordinator of  Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) based in the Faculty of Applied Sciences and the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) in Durban. 

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT? 

A: “I serve as a lecturer in the Maritime Studies Department and also coordinates Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). My role involves lecturing, curriculum development, student support, and fostering industry partnerships to enhance student employability and experiential learning opportunities.”

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

A: “I have been part of the DUT family for over six years, contributing to both academic development and student success.”

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

A: “I mostly connect with integrity. As a lecturer and mentor, I hold that integrity, responsibility, and ethical behaviour are essential in developing students into accountable professionals capable of positively influencing society.”

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

A: “The tagline accurately reflects DUT’s daring vision. It inspires us to think creatively, appreciate our individuality, and aims to make impactful contributions to our communities and sectors.”

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

A: “I intend to participate actively in institutional workshops, consider the values within my teaching methods, and to incorporate them into mentoring students and engaging with the industry.”

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

A: “One aspect that many people are unaware of regarding me is that I draw inspiration from calm times of contemplation be it through gym workout or going for a stroll. Such moments frequently ignite many of my most inventive thoughts concerning teaching, research, and personal development.”

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

A: “The framework establishes a robust ethical and cultural base for our institutional identity. It cultivates a feeling of direction, belonging, and alignment with the larger objectives of change and social influence.”

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

A:  “In my spare time, I enjoy reading books that make me question my life choices, overthinking conversations I had five years ago, and taking long walks not for fitness, but to escape my responsibilities creatively. I believe laughter and reflection go hand-in-hand, usually on the way to the fridge.”

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

A: “By nurturing future-ready graduates, enhancing industry collaboration, and promoting research that addresses real-world challenges in supply chain and maritime logistics.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?  

A: “Knowing that my work contributes to the growth and transformation of students keeps me motivated. Watching them evolve from ‘I have no idea what’s going on’ to confidently tackling real-world challenges is like watching a plot twist in a good series unexpected, rewarding, and totally worth the wait. Witnessing their progress and achievements is truly fulfilling.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT?   

A: “I aim to contribute to postgraduate programme development, expand industry partnerships for WIL, and advance scholarly research that supports DUT’s strategic objectives.”

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

A: “To see every DUT graduate empowered, employed, and making a meaningful difference in their communities and professions.”