As of 18 July 2022, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) staff and students have physically returned to campus after the relaxation of the public health mandates and the COVID-19 restrictions. To get insight on getting back to the ‘new’ normal, DUT’s Communications team Waheeda Peters spoke to Nozipho Radebe

Q: Kindly tell me about your role and the duration you have been at DUT? 

A: “I joined DUT during the peak of COVID-19 in June 2020 as an Administrative Assistant at the Centre for Quality Promotion and Assurance department (CQPA). My role is giving support to the CQPA specialist and the administration of subject (SEQs) and lecture evaluations (LEQs) and any other office administration as required. I am proud to have successfully mastered the process of online programme reviews via the Microsoft Teams platform.”

Q: How has it been like to physically return to campus after the relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions? 

A: “I have been working from the office since the adjustment lockdown level 5, so not much has changed from my side. But I must say it’s really nice to finally have contact meeting and see some colleagues we last saw two years ago.”

Q: What are some of your coping mechanisms, helping you adapt to working/studying on site?

A: “Prayer is my foundation to the start of any day my colleague Anusha can vouch for me, It gives me peace of mind and the strength to overcome any obstacles that may affect my day.”

Q: What do you miss the most about working/studying online?

A: “Starting 8am meetings in my Pjs.”

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

A: “I’m highly sensitive but I try not to let my emotions get to me.”

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

A: “I love cooking and trying out new recipes.”

Q: How do you plan to impact lives at DUT and surrounding?

A: “Being kind and always willing to provide a helping hand.”

Q: What is your daily motivation? 

A: “My morning prayer.”

Q: What are your future goals with DUT?

A: “My future goals is to grow within the Quality Assurance ambit and continue to learn and I aspire to take on leadership positions someday, the sky is the limit.”

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

A: “To bring my parents back on Earth.”