As part of its ENVISION2030 strategy, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is committed to producing adaptive graduates who contribute meaningfully to the development of the region, South Africa and the world. Through sport, the University promotes holistic student development by nurturing discipline, leadership, teamwork and resilience, both on and off the field.
Sompisi Ntuli from the DUT Communications team recently spoke to DUT Netball Team Manager Anesipho Ntatyana about her sporting journey, her responsibilities as a team manager and how she embodies the University’s Living Values through her involvement in university sport.
Name: Anesipho Ntatyana
Place of birth: Mount Frere
Sport code: Netball
Qualification: Diploma in Management Accounting
Q: When did you join the DUT sport team?
A: “I joined the DUT sport team in February 2026.”
Q: What sparked your interest in sport management?
A: “I was entrusted with the responsibility of managing the netball team, which gave me an opportunity to contribute to the team’s success and development.”
Q: What does your role as a netball team manager entail, and how does it benefit the team?
A: “My role involves organising team logistics, coordinating communication between players and coaches, and ensuring that everyone is informed about training sessions, matches and other team activities. I also ensure that the team is well prepared and that players have the support and resources they need. Beyond the administrative duties, I motivate players, provide emotional support and help maintain discipline, commitment and accountability within the team. This allows players and coaches to focus on performance while I manage responsibilities behind the scenes. Ultimately, I contribute to building a united, organised and motivated team that works together towards achieving its goals.”
Q: Which other sporting codes interest you, and why?
A: “I am also interested in football because I enjoy being involved in sport and contributing to the growth and development of student athletes. My experience in team management has taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline, communication and leadership. I would love to continue developing these skills in football, learn more about the dynamics of the sport, support players and coaches, and help create an environment where athletes can perform at their best.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “The 2026 DUT Residence League.”
Q: Why is it important for DUT to develop students through sport?
A: “Sport helps students grow beyond the classroom by teaching them discipline, teamwork, leadership and responsibility. It also gives students an opportunity to showcase their talents, build confidence, stay active and develop a sense of belonging at the University.”
Q: Who is your role model, and why?
A: “My role model is Ms Tumie Mgudu, DUT Sports Officer because she demonstrates leadership, commitment and the importance of developing student athletes both on and off the field. I look up to her as someone I can learn from, gain experience through and draw inspiration from as I grow in my own journey as a sports manager.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 Living Values and principles do you identify with, and why?
A: “I identify most with teamwork, accountability, respect and excellence. I believe in working well with others, taking responsibility for my duties and treating everyone fairly. As a sports manager, I understand the importance of supporting others, remaining committed to the team and continually striving to improve. These values help me contribute positively to DUT and create an environment where students feel supported, valued and motivated to do their best.”
Q: Do you see a future for yourself in netball?
A: “Yes, I see a future in netball. Being a team manager has helped me develop a genuine love for the sport and appreciate the important role I play in supporting the team. I would love to continue growing, gaining experience and contributing to the development of netball, particularly at university level.”
Q: As a DUT star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “I contribute to my community by being involved in sport, supporting students and encouraging others to participate. I believe sport brings people together, and even in my role as a team manager, I can make a difference by supporting players and helping to create a positive environment.”
Q: What impact has sport had on your life?
A: “Sport has helped me grow as a person, particularly in developing leadership skills, patience and the ability to work with different people. It has also given me a sense of purpose, helped me build meaningful relationships and taught me the importance of showing up for others, even when things get difficult.”
Q: What ideas would you suggest to attract more spectators to varsity sport?
A: “I believe DUT can attract more students to varsity sport by making games more exciting and promoting them effectively so that students know when and where they are taking place. The 2026 DUT Residence League final set a standard for what varsity sport can look like when students come out to support their teams. We should use that as motivation to make future games just as exciting, recreate that atmosphere and encourage more students to be part of the experience.”
