As part of its ENVISION2030 strategy, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) aspires to produce adaptive graduates that will participate productively in the development of our region, country and the world. S’bonelo Dlamini, DUT Communication’s team member, recently engaged with the DUT Rugby Player, to share her student experience through sports and academics and how she lives the DUT Living Values.
Name: Sinoyolo Best
Place of birth: Qibira Location, Debe Nek Eastern Cape
Sport code: Rugby
Qualification: Bachelor of Health Sciences in Emergency Medical Care and Rescue
Q: When did you join the DUT sport team?
A: “I joined the team this year.”
Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?
A: “I gained interest in rugby in 2022 when Fort Hare won the Varsity Shield, and I started playing in 2023.”
Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what is entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “I play the lock (second-row forward position of four and five. Locks are the tallest and most physical player who provides power in the scrum and dominates line-out jumps. We are the drivers and engine of scrums, we also bring most of the physicality in the game.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: “I have not found another sport that I think would bring the spark that rugby brings to me.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “It would be the 2024 Rugby 10s (R10) African U20 Women’s Series which was held in Stellenbosch. I captained the first San Clemente Rhinos U20 team. I also played in the South African Women’s Premier Division historically for Border Rugby. Currently, I’m playing for the Sharks Women’s team for the 2026 season.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sport?
A: “Sports is a great way to destress from academics, I believe it also assists with exposure to well-known teams.”
Q: Who is your role model and why?
A: “My role model is my coach Ntyatyambo Mkhafu as he is one of the most underrated coaches.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 living values and principles do you associate with and why?
A: “I align mostly with integrity. It a sign of self-respect and it also makes it easy for people to trust you because you have morals and you know what you stand for.”
Q: Do you see a future in Rugby?
A: “Yes, I see future in rugby. I believe that I will one day wear the green and gold colours for South Africa.”
Q: As a DUT star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “I inspire young girls in my village, most of them started playing rugby because of me.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “I honestly don’t know if I would have made it this far without rugby. As a person who’s fighting depression not only has it saved me from myself but it has given me purpose.”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sports?
A: “We can use young, well-known influencers to be featured if there are games that are played.”
