The 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, Sinamile Sithole, recently engaged with Journalism Lecturer, Siphumelele Zondi, from the Faculty of Arts and Design at the City Campus, to gain insight into the Living Values Framework and its alignment with ENVISION2030.

Q: Kindly tell us about your role at DUT?
A: “I lecture in the Bachelor of Journalism and the Bachelor of Journalism Honours programmes in the Department of Media, Language and Communication.”

Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I have been a staff member for three years, but I was a part-time lecturer for three years prior to that.”

Q: Among the ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you most identify with and why?
A: “Accountability is important to me because, if you are accountable to yourself, colleagues, students, and everyone around you, you can ensure that you play your part in achieving excellence in all that you do. Excellence is the end goal, but it cannot be achieved without accountability to self and others.”

Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: ‘Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.’?
A: “I think the tagline is fantastic because it speaks to the times we are in. The current era requires one to be creative and distinctive in all they do to find truly impactful solutions for the world we live in. It is a great call to action.”

Q: How do you plan to keep abreast of the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “By continuously engaging with the framework to ensure that it is reflected in many of my work tasks, especially in teaching and learning, so that the promises made in the Living Values are fully realised.”

Q: What is one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “I love the outdoors.”

Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “It guides and shapes DUT into the future, helping it become a university that truly responds to the needs of society, which in turn gives students an added advantage.”

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “I love hiking.”

Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “I believe I have already started. I have partnered with colleagues to conduct academic research that speaks to current societal and industry trends. I also enjoy embedding real-world learning through partnerships with industry players. Additionally, I have assisted in organising events that engage with the wider community and the media industry.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “The knowledge that I am playing my part in contributing to a better society.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “I still need to earn my PhD, so that is a medium-term goal.”

Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “For life to be a lot easier for everyone, especially those who are most in need.”