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. Mnqobi Ngobese, DUT Communication’s editorial team member, recently engaged with the DUT Warriors rising star  Londeka Khuboni, to share her student experience through sports and academics and how she lives the DUT Living Values.

Name :  Londeka Khuboni

Place of birth : Umlazi

Sport code : Rugby

Position : Number five lock

Qualification: Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration

Q:  When did you join the DUT sport team?

A: I joined the DUT sport  team in 2022.”

Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?

A: “I joined rugby because I love being challenged. I wanted to experience more challenges and see how I would be able to navigate life when placed in any situation. I have always been a person who loves being challenged ever since I was a child and  I used to be an athlete since that was the only sport we had back in primary and high school. I was excited when I joined DUT to learn that I can finally play rugby”

Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what it entails and how it benefits the team?

A: “⁠I play number five lock which is on the right hand side. As the lock, I’m the team’s key ball winner at line outs.  In rugby there are two locks, the other one is number four from the left hand side.”

Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?

A: “Ever since I started playing rugby, I’ve never shifted my focus to other sport codes. So, I would say I don’t have any other interest.”

Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?

A: “I’ve attended University Sport South Africa (USSA) tournament twice and that is an honour for me.”

Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sports?

A: “ ⁠In my own perspective sport is more of a therapy session because you are able to shift your focus for atleast that hour or two even three hours sometimes depending on the sessions. Sport forces you to focus and be disciplined so that alone as a student might have a good impact more especially when you encounter issues in your studies. It also promotes a healthy lifestyle, teaches teamwork, and time management.”

Q: Who is your sport role model and why?

A: “⁠My role model goes along with women empowerment and her name is Faith Terewhi Nathan who is from Australia who plays Sevens  rugby and I admire her because she used to be a soccer player and she decided to try a new sport code without letting anyone or anything to stand on her way. She is now one of the most talented players in the whole country, out of 25 tournaments she has participated in she has scored 96 tries.”

Q: Which ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles do you associate with and why?

A: “Accountability and excellence. I’m choosing accountability because, accountability in sport is doing what you say you’re going to do and executing the task to the best of your ability. Then being able to put your hand up and say this is what I need to do better, if you don’t get it right. Being accountable is not making excuses, not blaming others or whinging and complaining. Since I decided to challenge myself with rugby I should be able to accept criticism and not take it personal as well as allowing myself to be taught and be teachable which goes along with learning from my mistakes. I must be accountable, not making excuses for my  unaccepted actions.”

Q: Do you see a future in rugby?

A: I do and I believe God willing one day I’ll also be playing for our country.”

Q: As a DUT sport star, how does your role benefit your community?

A: “⁠ I believe I’m the first one to play rugby in my area, with that I wish that one day rugby can be introduced to young female and males from the same areas as mine, who might have the same goal as mine which is to go world-wide with rugby. I aim to inspire young people and make them believe that rugby is not only for white people but is open to any race. I want to also make them understand that the colour of their skin does not define them and their capabilities.”

Q: What impact has sport made on your life?

A: “⁠It has taught me discipline, as well as being able to believe in myself before even thinking of anyone else to do so, it gives me confidence.”

Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sport?

A: “ In order to get people’s attention in nowadays you have to use social media as a tool. So if we post more content on social media pages more spectators would be attracted.”

Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.