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 Hloniphile Gcabashe, the Acting Supervisor at Fred Crookes Sport Centre, to delve into the living values framework and ENVISION2030.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I am an Acting Supervisor at Fred Crookes Sport Centre under the Sport Administration unit, focusing on all sport facilities at DUT.”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “It’s been four years, prior to coming to the Sport Administration unit I was once a tutor at Sport Studies. Straight after I joined the Sport Administration unit as an intern for rugby, karate and tennis up until I was appointed as an Acting Sport Centre Supervisor on contract basis earlier this year.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “Accountability breeds response-ability, a quote by Stephen R. Covey, that has always resonated with me. It’s hard for me to choose between accountability and responsibility, as I strongly identify with both. I was raised by a strict parent who instilled these values in me from a young age. Because of that upbringing, taking ownership of my actions and being dependable became second nature. I believe these values are often overlooked in today’s generation, yet they’re essential for personal growth and contributing meaningfully to any team or community.”
Q: What are your views on the DUT tagline: Creative, Distinctive, Impactful?
A: “As the first female serving in the Sport Admininistration unit as Acting Sport Centre Supervisor, I believe the DUT tagline Creative, Distinctive, Impactful perfectly captures our commitment to innovative leadership, building a unique sports culture, and making a meaningful difference both on and off the field.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “I plan to stay true and committed with a strong alignment with the ENVISION2030
Living Values Framework by actively embedding its core values such as integrity, accountability, and excellence into daily operations, leading by example, engaging in continuous professional development, and ensuring that all sports programmess reflect DUT’s commitment to ethical leadership, inclusivity, and impactful service.”
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “Most people don’t know that I am a perfectionist, I don’t feel satisfied until a project is fully completed, I thrive on new challenges. While I may be short in height, I’m always driven to ensure that the impact I make stands tall. There is a saying that says, ‘dynamites come in small packages’, I am the true reflection of that perfection.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “It helps to keep everyone grounded, united under a shared vision and mission, that is aligned with a purpose which is essential for maintaining cohesion and accountability within a large and diverse institution like DUT.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “I watch sport such as live rugby games, read, watch documentaries and watch relevant TV programmers.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “Sport has traditionally been viewed as a male-dominated fraternity, and DUT’s sports facilities has a historically reflected that perspective. I aim to challenge this status quo by promoting more inclusive opportunities, fostering a positive narrative, and ensuring that diverse voices particularly those of women in sport are acknowledged and valued. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to the university community and create a lasting, positive impact.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “My daily motivation comes from the thrilling realisation that every day is a perfect opportunity to stay outside my comfort zone, avoid overstepping on anyone, and remain exactly the same in terms of attitude and personality. I know I’m enormous but short in height, but it’s all about the legacy I will leave behind, even if it’s just making a difference, it’s all worth it.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “To be placed in a position that displays a long-term existence within the Institution on a permanent basis in sport, in order for me gradually set a mark in my plans with sport facility improvement and for the DUT sport facilities to flourish and become state of the art.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “To be given a long-term standing and appointment within the University in order to have greater goals and objectives.”
