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 Hockey team forward, Zamangwane Mpangase to share her student experience through sports and academics and how she lives the DUT Living Values.
Name : Zamangwane Mpangase
Place of birth :Margate Lower South Coast
Sport code : Hockey
Position: Forward
Qualification: Diploma In Hospitality Management
Q: When did you join the DUT Sport Team?
A: “I joined back in 2022 at the beginning of my first year. I got introduced to some of the team members and management structure during the pre-season indoor hockey.”
Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?
A: “I got introduced into the sport in Grade 1 at Margate Primary School. It is the one school that encouraged boys and girls to join the sport and be part of a community. Since then, I grew to love it. It became part of my life till now.”
Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what it entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “As a forward, I support midfielders, creating scoring opportunities and also score goals for the team.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: “Swimming and basketball, I find these sports interesting.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “The University Sport South Africa (USSA). I made the team in 2022 when the tournament was hosted by the University of Western Cape. This is where I earned my 1st gold medal in my section! Then in 2023 when the USSA tournament was hosted by Varsity College. USSA is an annual national tournament that is held yearly during the mid-year break that brings together various South African university drafted students to represent their varsity in the sport: hockey.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sports?
A: “I believe sports promotes physical and mental health. It gives a student a break from academics. It introduces a student into a sporting community furthermore not limited to personal growth and character development.”
Q: Who is your sport role model and why?
A: “Let me go local because local is lekker! DUT Alumni and Olympian Aphiwe Dimba, she plays goalie. What a powerhouse inside and out! She is always ready for a challenge, gives her all and is so passionate about hockey, she’s an exceptional role model.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles do you associate with and why?
A: “To name a few commitment, responsibility and professionalism. In anything I commit myself into, I stay committed and push through any obstacles that may come my way, as I also have the responsibility to carry myself professionally in any situation, especially in a game /tournament where we represent not only ourselves but DUT as a brand.”
Q: Do you see a future in hockey?
A: “For me personally as a player no but as a future Professional Sports Manager or Content Creator? For sure I am in it!”
Q: As a DUT sport star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “It has encouraged so many young ladies to participate, sign up and be part of a community that offers so many benefits. The highlight of 2024 was the internal recruitment that I was part of that yielded 30+ fresh legs into the game, seeing students that had to start from the drawing board including how to hold a stick to scoring goals and assists!”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “Physical fitness and mental health. It introduced me to so many people [sisterhood]. Taught me the importance of collaboration, teamwork, leadership and not limited to perseverance.”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sport?
A: “There should be special events such as exhibition matches, charity events and yearly awards for all sports codes not just a select few. Youth clinics and camps, promotions and marketing campaigns on all social media platforms that highlight all the sport codes.”
