The Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently approved the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework. The five values are identified as transparency, honesty, integrity, respect and accountability. The principles espoused are fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion and excellence. DUT’s Communications team, Nikiwe Sukazi spoke to Bhekizenzo Simelane, Teaching Assistance at Media, Language and Communication Department.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I am a Residence Advisor and I also work as a Teaching Assistant under the Department of Media, Language and Communication. I teach students during the day and after hours, I am a Residence Advisor at Sterling House Residence.

Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I came to DUT in 2015. It has been 8 years and almost 4 months since I joined DUT.”

Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “ I associate myself the most with Accountability, because I truly believe in one being accountable in their spaces and engagement. This shows a progressive environment.”

Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.
A: “I support the new DUT tagline because it speaks to the holistic development of a student. It is also profound, inspiring and simple. It is exactly what the institution stands for and it redirects us as the DUT community.”

Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “Through our beliefs. They are what abides us as the DUT community. All we can do is to live by them and teach the person next to us. We should also keep them closer for easy referencing at all times.”

Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “I am a good singer. I used to be a choir master at school and in church.”

Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “I think our institution is at a progressive stage as we speak because of the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework and this proves that DUT will be at a different level by 2030.”

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “I read books such as novels and short- stories, if not I spend time with young people with the aim of sharing ideas that could build them.

Q: How do you plan to make a positive Impact at DUT?
A: “To share my life experience together with academic knowledge with students so that they excel academically and in life generally.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “Working hard plus respect leads to success.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “My goal is to complete my PhD in record time, grow within the institution as a professional, and also assist in grooming the upcoming young generations that are joining the institution.”

Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “To ask God to give my mother more years on earth so that she can enjoy the fruits of her womb while she’s still alive.”