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 Dr Baphiwe Daweti, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Human Resource Management and Chair of the Departmental Research Committee within the Faculty of Management Sciences to delve into the living values framework and ENVISION2030.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I am a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Human Resource Management and l am also a Chair of the Departmental Research Committee. I serve in several institutional committees and structures.”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “It has been long, about 20 years now.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “Integrity. I associate with integrity because it is about doing the right thing even when no one is watching. It entails behaviors, actions, and words that show credibility and legitimacy to lead.”
Q: What are your views on the DUT tagline: Creative, Distinctive, Impactful?
A: “The DUT tagline shows ENVISION2030 in a catchy way. It is easy to remember because of the three words. The tagline is aspirational and futuristic.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “I plan to participate and contribute to future ENVISION2030 living values initiatives. I intend to live the values and principles in everything I do at DUT and beyond, through behaviors, actions, and words. I hope to recognise DUT people who live the values and principles even when no one is watching.”
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “I studied music and sang tenor in choirs in the Eastern Cape.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “The Living Values Framework reminds DUT people of the expected behaviours, actions and words that form the basis of everything that is done. It explains the desired conduct of staff, students, and external partners. It shows the appropriate character that enables DUT people to make an impact on society and improve lives as well as livelihoods.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “I travel to interesting places. I attend live music concerts with a band. I jog along the ocean and trees.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “I plan to inspire students, peers to be bigger, bolder, and daring to take actions to change society. I intend to collaborate with others on initiatives that make a difference on others. I hope to shine a spotlight on DUT people who make a difference, even if they don’t receive an award.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “My family and friends.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “I intend to contribute to the realisation of ENVISION2030. I hope to develop myself and others. I plan to showcase DUT work locally, nationally, and internationally.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “I wish for peace for all.”
