Durban University of Technology (DUT) officially launched the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, comprising five core values: transparency, honesty, integrity, respect, and accountability. These values are underpinned by the principles of fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion, and excellence. DUT Marketing Public Relations and Events Assistant Snethemba Shozi, recently engaged in a conversation with Senzo Nzimande, a Sports Officer at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Indumiso campus in Pietermaritzburg, to delve deeper into the Living Values Framework and ENVISION2030.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?

A: “I am a Sports Officer. My duty is to establish an energetic and lively sports environment for students residing at the DUT residences or accredited private accommodation by organising leagues and tournaments for a variety of sports codes. This involves ensuring that all necessary goods and services are provided to facilitate the smooth running of competitions related to student residence sports.”

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

A: “In 2018, I enrolled as a student and successfully completed my studies in Sports Management. Subsequently, I commenced my professional career in 2023 and have been actively working in the field ever since.”

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

A: “I associate with stewardship perspective as it emphasises the importance of embodying our values and principles in a community where responsibility and accountability are shared. It also highlights the significance of fostering creativity, particularly in the context of showcasing the sports talents and interests of the students at our university.”

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

A: “The university’s vision of cultivating entrepreneurial, innovative, and adaptable graduates who can contribute effectively to the advancement of the region, country, and the world is reflected in the DUT tagline, Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.”

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

A: “I do believe that it is incumbent upon everyone to adopt and embody the values and principles of the institution. Furthermore, I recognise the importance of leading by example to realise its goals, which is why I have dedicated myself to thoroughly studying the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework. My aim is to fully understand its contents so that I can effectively inspire the community to align themselves with ENVISION2030.”

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

A: “People do not know of my adoration for music.”

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

A: “ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework fosters in ensuring the university’s relevance and responsiveness to the various stakeholders such as students, staff, industry partners, and the wider community is crucial. This fosters trust, unity, and ethical behaviour among stakeholders. By embedding these values in decision-making processes and organisational practices, DUT can nurture a community that values inclusivity, ethics, and social responsibility.”

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

A: “Being an individual with a strong passion for sports, I dedicate my free time to watching sporting events either in person or on television, as well as participating in activities aimed at fostering student development.”

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

A: “The inaugural ENVISION2030 first year tournament took place at Indumiso campus last year. The primary objective of the tournament was to familiarise first year students with the ENVISON2030 Living Values Framework by engaging them in sports activities. I aim to expand the participation to include all first year students annually, following its successful pilot launch with the students residing at Indumiso last year, 2023.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?  

A: “Achieving my objectives and milestones, whether they are personal or work-related, brings me immense satisfaction. I also derive joy from guiding and supporting others, particularly my colleagues in their journey towards success.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT? 

A: “Witnessing the sports participation rise to the same level of prestige as leading sports institutions.”

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

A: “I long for a future where there is no poverty or crime, and where the economy is stable and thriving.”