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 Mercillene Mathews, a lecturer in the Department of Human Resources Management to unpack the living values framework and ENVISION2030.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?

A: “I am a lecturer in the Department of Human Resources Management.”

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

A: “I have been at DUT for almost 22 years.”

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

A: “Compassion, seeing people is a foundation to building relationships that foster the other living values. People are willing to commit it if they feel seen and cared about.”

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

A: “I hope that we can become the tagline. Espoused values are meaningless if they are not lived and perceived to be authentic by our actions. Just having a tagline is not enough, we must be our tagline.”

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

A: “These are values that one already aspires to live by, so it is not difficult.”

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

A: “I am an excellent chef.”

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

A: “We all commit to living those values authentically. When students and staff genuinely embrace principles like fairness, professionalism, commitment, and excellence, the entire campus environment transforms. It creates a culture where people feel safe, supported, and motivated to grow.”

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

A: “In my spare time, I’m naturally drawn to activities that bring me peace and that allow me to express myself. I’m an avid reader I’ve always loved getting lost in books although I have not been able to indulge in reading as much lately because of academic commitments. Still, it remains one of my favourite ways to unwind and reconnect with myself. Another thing I truly enjoy is cooking, especially for the people I care about. For me, cooking isn’t just a task, it’s a love language. So, in my free time, you will most likely find me with a book in hand or in the kitchen doing what I love for the people who mean the most to me.”

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

A: “I don’t really plan to make a positive impact at DUT; I just do it naturally. My approach is to be genuine, supportive, and uplifting in every space I enter. I try to leave everyone I encounter with a positive vibe, whether it’s through a simple conversation, offering help when someone needs it, or creating an encouraging atmosphere in group settings. I believe small, consistent acts of kindness can inspire others and contribute to a more positive campus environment. My goal is to be someone who adds value wherever I go, not because it’s expected, but because it’s who I am.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?  

A: “My daily motivation is Jesus. My faith is what grounds me, guides me, and gives me strength to face each day with purpose. Knowing that I’m loved, protected, and supported by him keeps me focused, even when things feel overwhelming. I wake up each morning with gratitude, reminding myself that every day is a chance to grow, to do better, and to live in a way that reflects his grace.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT?

A: “To do right by my students. There is nothing better for me than to see my students succeed and become more qualified and do greater things than me.”

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

A: “I truly wish people would look at each other with ‘love goggles’ with eyes that choose compassion, understanding, and positivity first. Imagine if, instead of judging or assuming the worst, we all tried to see the good in one another. DUT would become an even more beautiful space, not just physically but emotionally and socially. A campus where people feel seen, valued, and appreciated creates an atmosphere of warmth and belonging.”