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 Zanele Mashaba spoke to Zanele Nduli, a Student Administration Clerk.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role and the duration you have been at DUT?
A: “I am a Student Administration Clerk. My role at DUT is to support Academic Departments with academic administration ranging from applications to registration. I started at DUT in August 2021 and I have been employed for a very fruitful one year.”
Q: How has it been like to physically return to campus after the relaxation of the COVID-19 restrictions?
A: “Our office has been fully operational and we have not been working remotely since we had walk-ins (in accordance with COVID19 regulations), even before the regulations were relaxed, resulting in all parties returning to campus in full. As a result, nothing has changed much in this regard since I am used to being physically at work.”
Q: What are some of your coping mechanisms, helping you adapt to working/studying on site?
A: “So far, my coping mechanism has been to remain calm in all situations and to avoid things that will disturb or distract me or my peace.”
Q: What do you miss the most about working/studying online?
A: “Due to my experience, I cannot relate, however, I support the decision to keep things as they were. It’s just a matter of figuring out how to survive and cope with the constant changes that the universe throws at us.
Q: What is one thing that people do not know about you?
A: In all aspects, I believe that observing is critical and allows one to act gallantly and with comprehension. I am merely a participant observer.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “I am not sure what my spare time is at this moment. However, I spend most of my time with my family during the weekend. I would like to get some time to recuperate often and do things that will keep me mentally stimulated.”
Q: How do you plan to impact lives at DUT and surrounding?
A: “By being the best version of myself and doing my best in whatever I participate in. Being the change, I would like to experience and having a positive attitude that I want to see in others.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
“Waking up in the morning, knowing that I have been given a new chance. Simply acknowledging that there is a chance to redo and try again.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “Future goals are frequently overstated. I hope to bring positivity and value to the institution in whatever capacity I can. Growing academically is also something I hope to do in the future so that my services can always be improved and kept up to date with the times.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
“The first of many ‘one’ wishes I have is to be blessed with the gift of life until my daughters are old enough to care for themselves or each other financially, emotionally, and mentally.”
