Durban University of Technology (DUT) 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 Department of Public Relations Management Lecturer, Ms Zakia Jeewa.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?

A: “I am a lecturer in the Department of Public Relations Management with a focus on teaching and learning. Communication (and everything it entails) is my jam. While I also participate in numerous departmental and faculty projects, I have yet to master time manipulation so that I can do more research and other activities.”

Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?

A: “I have been with the Faculty of Management Sciences for nine years now. How time flies!”

Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?

A: “Perhaps it is my straight forward nature or star sign, but honesty jumps out to me immediately. Without honesty, it is incredibly difficult to build relationships, trust, loyalty and acceptance with one another. We must not be afraid to be honest with each other, for it opens up conversations and room for further discussions and improvement. While honesty can be difficult for some, I am reminded by a quote from the science fiction novel, Altered Carbon: Telling the truth isn’t just rebellion, but an act of revolution.”

Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative. Distinctive. Impactful?

A: “What a simple and expressive way of capturing DUT’s spirit. It’s a vibe.”

Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?

A: “No matter how old you are, I believe we are all work in progress with room for improvement. It is my students, colleagues, DUT, family, friends and even strangers who continue to keep me on my toes. The Living Values encourages us to make a commitment to those around us, our community and our countries future; and to see what happens when we give our best. DUT and my department also has a reputation to maintain so it is hard to fail when you surround yourself with encouraging people and achievable high standards!”

Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?

A: “This is a secret-I play table-top role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons on the weekends with friends.”

Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?

A: “It begins with motivated staff and the belief in improving one’s self for the better. Students will feel encouraged and adequately challenged to showcase and practice these values not only inside, but outside the classroom for lifelong learning. It will inevitably reap the benefits when they go out to work in industry and wherever they journey to in life as well-rounded individuals, which reflects well for DUT. With the competitive nature of tertiary institutes around the world, these values will help keep DUT’s standards high, making DUT a place local and global students and academics strive to study, work and be associated with.”

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?

A: “As a movie buff, I take any chance to escape reality. And when there’s time, I love reading books, travelling and spending quality time with family and friends.”

Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?

A: “I have started with my department, through teaching and learning to give my students better, empowering experiences in and out of the classroom at DUT, as well as sharing ideas and actively participating in my department, faculty and community projects. With lectures at DUT resuming after the last few years, I have a few ideas that can hopefully gain traction in future.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?

A: “Vow to make today count in any small way for myself or others.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT?

A: “I would like to continue teaching, but also hope to be an active researcher. We will see what the future holds.”

Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?

A: “For all South Africans to sleep with food in their bellies and to wake up tomorrow to a world of safety and happiness.”