Durban University of Technology (DUT) is guided by 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, Thubelihle Dumakude, recently engaged with Njabulo Luthuli, an Operational Controller Intern in the Logistical Services unit, to gain insight into the Living Values Framework and its alignment with ENVISION2030.
Q: Can you tell us about your role at DUT?
A: “I currently serve within Student Transport Operations at Durban University of Technology under Logistical Services unit, where I contribute from an operational controller perspective. My role focuses on coordinating systems, ensuring efficiency, enhancing safety protocols, and supporting seamless transport services for students.”
Q: How long have you been part of the DUT family?
A: “I have been part of the DUT family for two (2) years, growing both academically and professionally within the institution.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you most associate with and why?
A: “I most strongly associate with integrity and accountability. In operations, integrity ensures that systems function transparently and ethically, while accountability ensures that we take ownership of outcomes. When services directly affect student safety and experience, there is no room for compromise. Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, builds trust within the institution.”
Q: What are your views on the DUT tagline: Creative, Distinctive, Impactful?
A: “The tagline reflects DUT’s positioning as a university that does not merely participate in higher education but innovates within it. “Creative” speaks to adaptive problem-solving, ‘Distinctive’ to our unique applied focus, and “Impactful” to our responsibility to influence society meaningfully, especially through producing industry-ready graduates.”
Q: How do you plan to stay aligned with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “I intend to stay aligned by continuously engaging with institutional communications, participating in workshops and forums, and consciously integrating the Living Values into daily decision-making. Values are not slogans; they must translate into behaviour, systems, and service delivery.”
Q: What is one thing most people may not know about you?
A: “Many may not know that I am deeply interested in bridging the gap between academia and industry, particularly in graduate employability and operational excellence. I believe universities should not only educate but strategically prepare graduates for real-world impact.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “The Framework creates cultural alignment. When values are clearly defined and consistently practiced, institutional trust increases, collaboration improves, and service quality strengthens. It ensures that strategy is supported by behaviour, which ultimately enhances DUT’s reputation and student experience.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “In my spare time, I enjoy engaging in personal development, creative content creation, strategic thinking around systems improvement, and exploring innovative ideas that connect education, industry, and leadership.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “I plan to make a positive impact by strengthening operational systems, promoting student safety, and contributing to initiatives that enhance graduate readiness. Sustainable impact lies in improving processes that serve people effectively.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “My daily motivation is progress, both personal and professional. I am driven by the belief that consistent improvement, even in small measures, creates long-term excellence.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “My future goal is to contribute at a strategic level, particularly in initiatives that align academic output with industry needs. I aspire to be part of solutions that enhance graduate employability and institutional performance.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: My one wish would be to see DUT become a benchmark institution for operational excellence and graduate impact. Where values, innovation, and accountability translate into measurable societal transformation.”
