Durban University of Technology (DUT) officially launched the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, which comprises 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, Sinamile Sithole, recently spoke with Dr Sandile Myeni, a Lecturer in the Department of Ecotourism at DUT.
Q: Kindly tell us about your role at DUT?
A: “I serve as a Lecturer in the Department of Ecotourism, where I am responsible for teaching, curriculum development, student mentorship, and coordinating community-engaged learning initiatives. My role also includes research supervision and fostering industry partnerships that support student growth and rural development. Additionally, I serve as Chair of the Departmental Research Committee (DRC), overseeing research activities and coordinating departmental initiatives in alignment with the objectives of the Faculty of Management Sciences.”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I have been part of the DUT family since 2022.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “I strongly associate with integrity. Integrity forms the foundation of ethical leadership, academic excellence, and trust-building within our university community. It guides how we teach, engage, and serve, ensuring that our actions consistently align with our values.”
Q: What are your views on the DUT tagline: Creative, Distinctive, Impactful?
A: “The tagline resonates deeply with the direction in which DUT is moving. Creative reflects innovation in our teaching and research; Distinctive speaks to the university’s unique identity and transformative approach; Impactful emphasises the need for meaningful contributions to society. Together, these words capture DUT’s commitment to shaping a future-ready generation.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “I will continue engaging with institutional training, values-based seminars, and departmental initiatives that align with ENVISION2030. I aim to integrate these values intentionally into my teaching practice, research activities, and community engagement projects.”
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “Most people do not know that I am deeply passionate about community empowerment projects, especially those focused on youth development in rural areas.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “The framework will strengthen our institutional culture, promote accountability, and enhance cohesion across departments. It provides a shared moral compass that drives excellence, improves service delivery, and supports the creation of a university environment that is ethical, compassionate, and future-focused.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and engaging in community development initiatives.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “I plan to contribute through high-quality teaching and learning, impactful research, and strong industry and community partnerships. By empowering students and engaging with communities, I aim to reinforce DUT as a people-centred university that creates value for all stakeholders.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “I am motivated by the desire to create meaningful change, whether in the lives of students, communities, or the broader tourism sector.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “My goal is to advance to higher academic and leadership roles, contribute to policy development within my department, and strengthen DUT’s role in rural tourism and sustainable development research.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “My wish would be to see equitable and sustainable opportunities for rural communities across South Africa, especially through education and tourism development.”
