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, Waheeda Peters spoke to Siphiwe William, a lecturer at the Department of Hospitality and Tourism.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT? 

A: “I am a lecturer at the Department of Hospitality and Tourism.”

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

A: “I first came to DUT in 2015 to do my first-year of study and ever since then DUT has become home to me.”

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

A: “I mostly associate with accountability. This is because accountability promotes a high level work ethics, it promotes a healthy communication system and helps to manage expectations and responsibilities. This is what our university needs the most since we have embarked on a journey to ENVISION2030.”

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

 A: “I find it to be very creative and it provides a clear, strategic direction of what the university aims to become to differentiate itself from other universities. Branding is an important element for a positive public relations image and our tagline is proving to be doing exactly that.”

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

A: “By ensuring that my behaviour and work ethics embodies and is informed by the Living Values Framework. All my lecturing and academic research work needs to be closely aligned to the Living Values Framework.”

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

A: “Most people do not know that I am obsessed with shoes.”

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

A: “Through the Living Values Framework, DUT will be the most Creative, Distinctive and Impactful university in our society  and will be a university of choice to most students.”

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

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

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

A: “By being committed to my role as a lecturer and to become an active staff member that participates in all university activities that will make DUT a better institution.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?   

A: “I always want to do better than yesterday.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT?   

A: “I want to become a Professor and ultimately become part of the Executive Management Committee (EMC).”

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

A: “To become the youngest Minister of Tourism, watch this space!”