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 volleyball star, Thembisa Ngcungama to share her student experience through sports and academics and how she lives the DUT Living Values.
Name: Thembisa Ngcungama
Place of birth: Port Shepstone
Sport code: Volleyball
Qualification: Diploma in Management Sciences: Human Resources Management
Q: When did you join the DUT Sport Team?
A: “I joined the DUT volleyball team in 2023.”
Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?
A: “Among many sports I played in primary school, volleyball was the one that stood out for me and I never looked back.”
Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what it entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “I am an outside hitter, I focus mainly in attacking, blocking and passing the ball. I would say the team mostly benefits from the attacks of an outside because that’s what often gets the team points.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: “Tennis, from playing netball, cricket and now volleyball which has more than five team members, I have always wanted to play an individual sport, just so I get to experience how it feels.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “It was the 2024 University Sports South Africa (USSA) tournament, in Limpopo.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sports?
A: “All sports require time and dedication for success, that now adds important traits to students daily life, time management and discipline, which I believe are needed after university.”
Q: Who is your sport role model and why?
A: “I have quite a few but my most favourite is Gabi, a professional outside hitter from the Brazil team. She is an amazing player, she has power, she’s fierce when playing and she just takes the game to a whole new level.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles do you associate with and why?
A: “Commitment , honesty and respect. I believe that when one starts something they ought to stick to it till the end and doing all that in truth and respect for whatever they choose to do. Now not only will they be honest and respectful to themselves but it will also have a good effect on the way they treat people around them.”
Q: Do you see a future in chess?
A:”Yes, I would love to be a professional volleyball player in the future.”
Q: As a DUT sport star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “I believe I have positive influence on young children from primary to secondary school, inspiring them to pursue sports when they get to university, providing guidance and support in whichever sport they choose to play.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “It helped me with time management and discipline, with all the academic stress and workload , I am able to balance everything out, from academics to sports, and friends.”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sport?
A: “Having more various sports events and a good sport social media platform with great quality content because if it looks amazing on the platforms it must be better in person.”
