As part of its ENVISION2030 strategy, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) aspires to produce adaptive graduates who will contribute productively to the development of the region, the country and the world.
DUT Communications team member S’bonelo Dlamini speaks to DUT volleyball player Lisa Faye about her journey in the sport, what inspires her passion for volleyball and how she lives the University’s values through sport.
Name: Lisa Faye
Place of birth: KwaMashu
Sport code: Volleyball
Qualification: Bachelor of Health Sciences in Radiography
Q: When did you join the DUT sports team?
A: I joined the DUT volleyball team in 2025.
Q: What sparked your interest in volleyball?
A: The first time I saw or heard about volleyball was during my first year in 2023, at the first-year orientation at Indumiso Campus. I did not know that volleyball was also offered at the Durban campuses until I saw the team training last year.
Watching the team train sparked my interest in the sport. I liked that they focused not only on ball skills but also on physical fitness. I was also intrigued by the physical demands of the game, as well as the communication, teamwork and ability to make critical decisions under pressure.
Q: What position do you play, and what does it involve? How does your role benefit the team?
A: I play as a utility player, also known as an opposite hitter. My role involves blocking the opposing team’s attacks and attacking the ball to score points. Overall, the position allows me to support the team in both attack and defence.
Q: Which other sports are you interested in, and why?
A: During my first and second years, I participated in the residence league for netball, which was a great opportunity for me as a student. I would also love to join the swimming team because swimming is one of the sports I am passionate about. I often swim when spending time with my friends and family. Another reason is that I believe swimming is an important life skill, and I cannot imagine not being able to swim or float in water. It is a basic skill that everyone should learn.
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: The biggest tournament I have participated in was the SALGA Games in December 2025. The games are hosted by municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal, and I was among the players representing the eThekwini District.
Q: Why is it important for DUT to develop students through sport?
A: Volleyball has played a very significant role in my life and university journey. When I reflect on the challenges I have faced, I honestly do not know how I would have managed without participating in sport. It has helped me reduce academic pressure and deal with difficult moments. I consider volleyball therapeutic because it helps me clear my mind. When I am on the court, I forget about everything else and return feeling refreshed. Sport also introduces you to people you never imagined you would meet. These are no longer just people I know; they have become family. That sense of belonging is something I truly value.
Q: Who is your role model, and why?
A: In sport, my role model is my coach, Mthoko Mdingi. He made me fall in love with volleyball because he believed in me even when I did not believe in myself. He is more than just a coach to me; he is a father figure and someone who is always there when we need him.I also feel blessed to have Mr Mdingi as my coach because he is an international player who remains humble, stands by what is right and is always willing to fight for what he believes in.
In life, my role model is my lecturer, Professor BN Nkosi. She inspires me to become an independent and educated woman who is dedicated to her work, passionate about her goals and committed to making a difference. What I admire most about her are her discipline, determination, resilience and the way she carries herself with confidence and grace. Her work ethic, ambition and commitment to personal growth are qualities I deeply admire.
Q: Which ENVISION2030 living values and principles do you associate with, and why?
A: I associate with honesty, respect, accountability, commitment and excellence.
I value honesty because I believe it is important to be truthful in everything you do. Respect can take you far in life. Whether you are engaging with someone who is young or old, rich or poor, it is important to treat everyone with respect because you never know who is watching or how that relationship may benefit you in the future.
As students preparing to enter the working world, showing respect to our lecturers, clinical tutors and heads of departments is important. They may one day become valuable references or recommend us for opportunities. Taking accountability for everything, you do is also a good practice because it helps you grow as an individual. When something goes wrong, it is important to take responsibility rather than point fingers. I would not necessarily describe myself as the smartest student, but I am committed to everything I do, and that has helped me tremendously. Through commitment, I have been able to receive awards and consistently rank among the top three students in my class. This has shown me that excellence goes hand in hand with commitment.
Q: Do you see a future for yourself in volleyball?
A: Yes, absolutely! Volleyball has become a big part of my life, and I wish I had started playing earlier.
If I move away from Durban next year after completing my final year, I will make sure I find a club where I can continue playing. I am willing to go through all the stages to reach my goals. I want to participate in major tournaments hosted nationally and make a meaningful impact. I want to leave a mark in the sport.
Q: As a DUT Star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: Being a DUT Star gives me an opportunity to inspire others and make a difference, both at university and back home. At DUT, through volleyball, I promote teamwork, discipline and commitment. I also encourage other students to participate in sport while reminding them that it is possible to balance academics and sporting activities. As a Radiography student, I want to demonstrate that being a student-athlete does not mean compromising your education. Instead, it is about learning to excel in both areas.
Back home, my role means even more to me because I have become an example to many young people. Coming from a township where not everyone gets the opportunity to attend university, I am proud to be a first-generation university student pursuing my dreams in a demanding healthcare profession. I want young people, especially young girls, to look at my journey and realise that their circumstances do not define their future. Growing up, I have witnessed challenges such as teenage pregnancy, substance abuse and limited opportunities affecting young people.
I want to use my journey to encourage them to take education seriously, stay focused and believe in themselves. I live by the message, “It’s possible, black child”, because I want others to see that no matter where you come from, you can achieve your dreams if you remain determined and work hard.
Q: What impact has sport had on your life?
A: Volleyball has become a big part of my life. It has introduced me to brothers, sisters, father figures and best friends I never knew I would find outside my own home. It has also helped keep me away from potentially negative decisions, particularly during stressful times. Volleyball is my therapy and my happy place. Interestingly, the sport can also be emotionally challenging. When we lose a game or have a difficult training session, I become very sad because I care so much about performing well. Sometimes, I am too hard on myself and push myself so much that I forget I am still relatively new to the sport. I sometimes find myself comparing my progress with that of other students who have been playing volleyball for years. When I do not perform well, I sometimes shut down emotionally. However, my coach and teammates are always there to remind me not to be too hard on myself.
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract more spectators to varsity sport?
A: I think most of the initiatives to attract students are already in place. My suggestion would be to continue promoting the games on social media and ensure that refreshments are available whenever games are hosted because we love food. Departments and faculties could also introduce initiatives to encourage more students to attend and participate in sporting activities.
