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, Sibahle Ngcobo spoke to Noluthando Mchunu, Manager at DUT Design Studio.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “As the Design Studio Manager, my primary responsibility entails effective visual communication and promoting the DUT brand in a positive light to stakeholders. Leveraging my extensive experience in graphic design, I collaborate with a talented team of three other designers to address any brand design requirements from the DUT community.”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “ I’m a newbie, I have been here since 2020.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “One of the core strengths of our Design Studio is our innate creativity. I strongly believe that our creativity has the power to unlock new frontiers of innovation and establish us as trailblazers within our industry. Embracing this characteristic sets us apart from other organisations and positions us for continued success.”
Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.
A: “I am thrilled that we have finalised our tagline. It is a critical aspect of any organisation as it reinforces our identity and resonates with our stakeholders. A tagline serves as a guiding principle and helps us maintain a consistent tone of voice across various communication channels, including advertising and messaging to our target market. Our tagline perfectly aligns with our ENVISON2030 strategy and reinforces our commitment to achieving our long-term vision.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “I place great emphasis on collaboration and strive to cultivate a thorough understanding of the industry pioneers in my space. By staying in touch with these individuals, I am able to gain valuable insights and perspectives, which I can then apply within my own framework. This approach allows me to effectively share and integrate best practices, enabling me to maintain a high standard of performance within my role.”
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “I’m addicted to traveling.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “It will help bring a culture towards our organisation.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “I derive great satisfaction from traveling to new destinations and forging meaningful connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive Impact at DUT?
A: “ By living the DUT values and hoping to lead by example in this, so I can inspire others to do the same.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “Don’t settle for average.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “My goal is to position DUT as a leading institution within Africa, renowned for its positive brand identity that resonates with both staff and students alike.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “To spend time with the ones I have lost and to have enough to explore more.”
