Durban University of Technology (DUT) is guided by the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, comprises five core values: transparency, honest, integrity, respect and accountability. These values are underpinned by the principles of fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion and excellence. DUT Communications team member, Sifundo Thwala recently engaged with Dr Musawenkosi Ngibe, who serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Information and Corporate Management under the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics to gain into the living values framework and its alignment with ENVISION2030.

Q: Please tell us about your role at DUT?

A: “I am Senior Lecturer in the Department of Information and Corporate Management under the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics.”

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

A: “For 14 years, I started off as a data capturer.”

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

A: “Fairness strongly resonates with me, particularly within the academic environment. In higher education, fairness is not optional; it is foundational. It requires that opportunities, responsibilities, and recognition be allocated equitably and without bias. A fair academic environment ensures that decisions are based on merit, transparency, and objective criteria rather than personal preferences or preconceived notions.”

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

 A: “The tagline is creative and insightful, as it clearly captures what it means to be part of the DUT family. It helps the DUT community understand their roles and shared responsibilities within the institution. Most importantly, it reflects the key attributes and values that all DUT members are expected to uphold.”

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

 A: “It is important to attend institutional workshops that focus on the 2030 Living Values Framework, as they serve as a valuable reminder of the principles that guide the university. Actively engaging in discussions around these values deepens understanding and allows one to reflect on how they can be meaningfully integrated into daily responsibilities. Such interactions also provide insight into how the broader DUT community is embedding these values into their everyday practices and institutional culture.”

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

A: “I am often perceived as strict, but this reflects my seriousness and dedication to my work. I know you said one thing, but the second one is that I don’t like taking pictures.”

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

A: “It will shape our mindset by providing guidance on how to conduct ourselves in the workplace. The transformation within higher education has been significant, requiring us to go beyond teaching and learning to also give back to the community, create meaningful opportunities for students, forge industry partnerships, and promote student exchanges with local and international universities.”

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

A: “I watch soccer and spend time with family.”

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

A: “I believe I have made a positive impact at DUT in several meaningful ways, though there is always room for growth. Over the past four years, I have supervised and provided funding for approximately 15 students to attend and present at local conferences, supporting their professional and academic development. I have also been invited to serve as a chairperson for curriculum review at Walter Sisulu University and as a session chair at various conferences.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?  

A: “It is the appreciation of waking up each day, recognising it as a new opportunity to help and support someone in need.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT?

A: “Be a selfless professor who understands the struggles of life, enabling them to show empathy and thoughtfulness when engaging with others.”

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

A: “My wish is that the Lord removes jealousy and envy from the workplace, fostering a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and support among colleagues.”