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, Sifundo Thwala, recently engaged with Dr Luyanda Loraine Bingwa, who serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Information and Corporate Management within the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics, to learn more about the Living Values Framework and its alignment with ENVISION2030.
Q: Kindly tell us about your role at DUT?
A: “I am Dr Luyanda Loraine Bingwa, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Information and Corporate Management within the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics. Beyond my teaching responsibilities, I contribute to several departmental initiatives, including Community Engagement, the Entrepreneurship Task Team, Advanced Diploma coordination, registration and appeals, and the Departmental Research Committee (DRC).”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I joined the DUT family in 2016 and became a permanent staff member in 2020. Since then, the university has provided a supportive environment that has enabled me to grow as a lecturer, researcher, and emerging scholar committed to making meaningful contributions through teaching and research.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “The values that I strongly associate with are honesty, transparency, and respect. These values form the foundation of my academic integrity and professional relationships. They guide how I teach, conduct research, and engage with students and colleagues, ensuring that our work is conducted with accountability and mutual respect.”
Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative, Distinctive, Impactful?
A: “The tagline resonates strongly with me as an emerging scholar. Creativity drives innovation in teaching, distinctiveness reflects the unique contributions I make to knowledge and society, and impact reminds me of how our work as lecturers should ultimately benefit communities and industries. As a lecturer, I aspire to contribute to knowledge that empowers students, supports entrepreneurship, and creates sustainable impact.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “To keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, I ensure that I remain engaged by participating in institutional and faculty workshops and developmental programmes. These platforms ensure that I continuously align my teaching, research, and professional conduct with DUT’s vision and values.”
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “Many people do not know that I come from a small mining area in Carletonville, Khutsong in Gauteng. I am the first to graduate and obtain a PhD in my family, which is a milestone that means a great deal to me. My journey has taught me resilience and the transformative power of education. It has also shaped my passion for supporting students who come from similar backgrounds. I consider myself an empathetic person who always strives to uplift and support others.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “The framework provides a value-driven roadmap that guides how we operate as an institution. For lecturers, I believe it encourages us to embed ethical leadership, collaboration, and accountability into our teaching and research.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “In my spare time, I focus on improving my research publication output and supervising postgraduate students, including Masters’ and PhD candidates. I also value spending quality time with my family, as they provide the support and encouragement that keeps me motivated.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “I plan to make a positive impact by empowering students through the EPIP model, particularly in modules such as Small Business Management, Entrepreneurship, and Project Management. My goal is to equip students with the knowledge and mindset needed to become innovative thinkers and problem-solvers who can contribute meaningfully to the economy and society. By developing graduates who can create opportunities and driving change, I hope to contribute to positioning DUT as a university that produces impactful leaders.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “My daily motivation comes from my faith in God, my family (Ayanda, Luthando, and Siphosethu), and my passion for growth and success. These pillars continue to inspire me to work hard, remain resilient, and strive for excellence in everything I do.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “My future goal is to progress to the level of professor while continuing to contribute to the university through impactful research and postgraduate supervision. I aspire to graduate students whose research addresses societal challenges and contributes to meaningful social and economic transformation.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “If granted one wish, I would choose to work in an environment that nurtures the growth of emerging academics and scholars. Such spaces would promote mentorship, collaboration, and continuous learning. Most importantly, it would be a healthy and supportive environment where academics thrive and are empowered to contribute meaningfully to society.”
