The 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, Nikiwe Sukazi spoke to Siqhamesihle Nomtyhala, Graphic Designer at DUT Design Studio.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I am a Graphic Designer at Design Studio, so I am part of the small team that is responsible for most of the institution’s design collateral.”

Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I joined the DUT team last year October.”

Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “At the moment commitment is the principle that speaks to me the most. The main reason is that, with commitment to yourself and to your responsibilities that is a solid enough foundation for anyone to live a meaningful life.”

Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.
A: “I think the tagline is brilliant and has a lot of potential especially in the context of higher education. If taken to heart by the students and embodied by the staff, it could change things for the better on a global scale eventually.”

Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “By building meaningful relationships within the organisation. You find that once you build sustainable relationships, upholding the values and principles becomes much more easier.”

Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “Well, regarding that, I am not too sure but I would love to seem more mysterious to my colleagues, to keep them intrigued.”

Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “DUT will grow immensely because of this Framework.”

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “I fill my spare time with working out, illustrating and spending time with my loved ones.”

Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “By learning as much as I can from those above me and those who pour into me. My aim is to be more competent, what I do is already really important. I can hope to be more potent in my position and this will definitely benefit me and my team.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “My colleagues. I find them to be very effective in their roles and this is really inspiring.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “To be as impactful as my skills allow me to be. I want to grow as a professional and a person.”

Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “A memory that will never fade.”