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 Marketing, Public Relations and Events Assistant Snethemba Shozi, recently engaged in a conversation with Mr Thabiso Mbuyazi, Administrative Assistant in the Real Estate Management unit at DUT, to delve deeper into the Living Values Framework and ENVISION2030.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?

A: “I am currently employed at the Real Estate Management unit as an Administrative Assistant in the Planning department, handling property management tasks. I am also a student at DUT completing my Postgraduate Diploma in Business Information Management (BIM).”

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

A: “I have been part of DUT for eight years, both as a student and a staff member. I joined in 2018 to pursue my first qualification, a Diploma in Business Information Management. Currently, I continue to serve as both a student and a staff member.”

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

A: “Commitment, in everything I do, I commit myself wholeheartedly, guided by a strong sense of ownership and dedication. I consistently strive to make a meaningful impact in all my endeavours.”

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

A: “The DUT tagline is very powerful and meaningful. Creative, emphasises innovation, originality, and imaginative thinking, encouraging both students and staff members to think beyond boundaries. Distinctive, reflects uniqueness and individuality, highlighting how DUT stands apart from other institutions. Impactful, signals the university’s commitment to making tangible and meaningful contributions to academia, society, and beyond. Altogether, the tagline inspires hope and knowledge, motivating us to create new ideas that positively influence our communities and transform our lives.”

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

A: “I aim to apply the ENVISION2030 values to my academic journey by aligning my assignments, projects, and research with the themes of creativity, distinctiveness, and impactful knowledge production. The ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework represents a commitment to continuous learning, the integration of values into teaching and research, and the fostering of a culture of innovation and social impact.”

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

A: “Most people don’t know much about me. I am usually quiet and tend to keep things to myself.”

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

A: “It offers significant benefits to DUT through its emphasis on holistic personal development. By promoting values such as integrity, respect and compassion, the framework ensures that students grow not only academically but also emotionally and ethically. This holistic approach prepares them to face both professional and societal challenges with confidence. For staff members, the framework provides guidance in fostering a supportive, collaborative, and professional environment that enhances teaching, learning, and engagement.”

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

A: “Eating food and going to gym.”

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

A: “I plan to make a meaningful impact by contributing both academically and socially to the university community. Academically, I aim to engage actively in my studies, collaborate with peers, and share knowledge to foster a culture of learning and excellence. I also intend to participate in research initiatives and projects that promote innovation and address real-world challenges facing South Africa. Through these efforts, my goal is to support DUT’s mission of developing competent, socially responsible, and innovative graduates capable of making significant contributions to society.”

Q: What is your daily motivation? 

A: “I believe that your thought triggers your emotions, your emotions influence your behaviour, your behaviour determines your results or circumstances, your thoughts are the ancestors of your actions. I also strive to listen to understand, not to respond.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT? 

A: “To not remain in the same place, I am today.”

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

A: “To bring my mother back to life.”