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 Communications Intern, Thubelihle Dumakude recently engaged in a conversation with Dr Ayanda Meyiwa, Senior Lecturer and Interim Head of Department for the Maritime Studies department in the Faculty of Applied Sciences to delve deeper into the Living Values Framework and ENVISION2030

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?

A: “I am a Senior Lecturer and Interim Head of Department for the Maritime Studies department in the Faculty of Applied Sciences.”

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

A: “A better part of two years now.”

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

A: “The values of respect, accountability, integrity and honesty; and the principle of fairness. These are the cornerstone of good leadership and they make followership not only tolerable but also enjoyable. I find that I can sum them up with the golden rule uniformly espoused in many cultures across the world and eloquently phrased in the Bible as ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto thee.’ If we respect one another and respect our station, we are integrous in our behaviour and honest in all our dealings (not saying one thing and then turning to do the other) – the work culture would be so much more improved.”

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

A: “I think it is an accurate reflection of what we are and what we can achieve. I have seen the potential industry impact the research output by our postgraduate students and staff in our faculty (Applied Sciences) can have. The research and development activities in our departments is truly a work of creativity and innovation that even funding agencies out there are desiring to explore and finance.”

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

A: “The only way to do this is to keep living by example, leading and mentoring with integrity, honesty and respect.”

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

A: “I am a poet and I enjoy animated movies.”

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

A: “There is a universal ethical code – whether written or unwritten – that people generally live by, along with a code of corporate governance that may be articulated one way or another depending on each organisation’s focus. What makes the Living Values Framework in DUT distinctive is that it focuses on the human component and speaks into the very humanity of academics and administrators, constantly presenting a mirror to which we may look at self-correct on a human level chiefly, making our work environment healthier and more enjoyable. The culture of including the Lived Values moment in our staff meetings and faculty-level gatherings helps in creating a sustainable workplace culture that makes a future more secure for current employees and makes the university a desirable place or a preferred choice of employer for generations to come.”

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

A: “Reading, spending time with my wife, going out with friends and working out.”

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

A: “I would like to see my department becoming a world-class research centre in all things maritime related.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?  

A: “ I am working on a plan to take over the world. It’s an insurmountable task that motivates me daily.”

Q: What are your future goals at  DUT?

A: “A maritime research facility that is second to none on the continent.”

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

A: “More wisdom to achieve my goals in this institution and immortality.”