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,  Russel Msindisi Zikhali,  recently engaged in a conversation with Associate Professor and Head of Department (HoD) of Industrial Engineering, Professor Oludolapo Akanni Olanrewaju at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), to delve deeper into the Living Values Framework and ENVISION2030.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?

A: “I am the Head of Department and an Associate Professor at the Industrial Engineering department.”

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

A: “I have been at DUT since the first of January 2018, approximately, six years, seven months and 15 days.”

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

A: “I associate with honesty, the reason behind this choice is that with honesty, you definitely embrace the rest of the Living Values.”

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

A: “It’s the way to go. You can only make a difference with such an active tagline. DUT wants to lead by example and it is high time we embraced such.”

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

A: “By working on myself.”

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

A: “I’m easy to approach.”

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

A: “In all ways, first, the framework attracts the right people to join the DUT family and second, the existing family members get better at what they do.”

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

A: “In my spare time I like to spend time with my wonderful family.”

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

A: “By working hard continuously.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?  

A: “No pain no gain, you have to continuously work hard to achieve.”

Q: What are your future goals at  DUT? 

A: “My future goal is to become an A-rated researcher, to contribute to the growth of those I work with or those who work around me, and to bring out the best from my students among others.”

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

A: “To make the world a better place for all.”