Durban University of Technology (DUT) has officially launched the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, which is anchored in five core values: transparency, honesty, integrity, respect and accountability. These values are further supported by the principles of fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion and excellence.
DUT Communications team member Waheeda Peters recently engaged in a conversation with Okuhle Ngqoboka, an Administrator within the Research and Postgraduate Support unit to explore the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework and how it relates to her role at DUT.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I am an Administrator responsible for External Grants, excluding NRF-funded opportunities, within the Research and Postgraduate Support unit. My role involves providing administrative and operational support to researchers and postgraduate students throughout the external funding application process.”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “Three years.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “Commitment- it just speaks to me because I believe that being committed to whatever I do allows me to perform my job with dedication, consistency, and purpose. When I am committed to something, I take ownership of my responsibilities and always strive to give my best. I believe commitment also pushes me to overcome challenges, learn from my experiences, and continuously improve in what I do.”
Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative, Distinctive, Impactful?
A: “I think the tagline clearly summarises what DUT is about, as it touches on every aspect of the university collectively. I believe that impactful gives the tagline its strongest meaning because it connects DUT’s work to tangible outcomes and meaningful contributions beyond the university. It reflects the university’s role in creating a positive and lasting impact on society and the communities it serves.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “By always doing what is right for the people I serve and keeping in mind that everything I do reflects DUT. I believe in serving with integrity, professionalism, and accountability, while ensuring that my actions contribute positively to the institution’s reputation and the people we serve.”
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “That I am a perfectionist.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “The living values will assist with alignment because, in everything we do, we will always have to reflect and assess whether we are still living by our values. I believe the living values will therefore help the institution remain aligned with its vision and ensure that we continue moving in the right direction.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “I take a walk or sometimes just watch the current affairs on TV.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “I want my work to be accurate, visible, measurable and valuable to DUT.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “I genuinely enjoy helping people, so waking up each day knowing that I might help someone secure a scholarship or research grant really lifts my mood. There’s something fulfilling about knowing that my work can open doors and create opportunities for someone else.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “I would like to be an academic and help to put DUT in the map.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “I wish that we could all be united as people, regardless of race or tribe. At the end of the day, we are all human beings, and our differences should not divide us but rather enrich our society.”
