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 Rugby star, Sibusiso Ximba to share his student experience through sports and academics and how he lives the DUT Living Values.
Name: Sibusiso Ximba
Place of birth: Mevahlophe
Sport code: Rugby
Qualification: Business Administration
Q: When did you join the DUT sport team?
A: “I joined in 2023.”
Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?
A: “I would say it is the brutality of the game and yet again discipline is required.”
Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what is entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “My position is being a lock where a player is required to be physically strong, and have a lot of stamina as you always have to win position over the ball during line out thus being able to lock the scrum.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: “It would be volleyball because I grew up watching it and playing it.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “The USSA tournaments and the winter provincial Salga games.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sport?
A: “As many as we are at DUT we should also consider that we deal with different life situations. Some use sport as a coping mechanism and some shine through sports thereby I believe that it is imperative that DUT supports students playing sports.”
Q: Who is your role model and why?
A: “My role model is Siyamthanda Kolisi. He is one of the people that never lets the place he is coming from deprive him of reaching his goals.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 living values and principles do you associate with and why?
A: “Its fairness as I believe that no matter where you come from or who you are you, we are as equal as the person standing right next to you no matter what your skin colour or gender is.”
Q: Do you see a future in rugby?
A: “As long as I am still running, the future is brighter than ever. So, yes I still believe in rugby.”
Q: As a DUT star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “The role I play allows me to share my journey with the upcoming generation providing evidence that it is all possible as long as you put work in what you believe in.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “Sports has made me to be more disciplined than ever and it taught me to get up every time life tackles me.”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sports?
A: “The DUT sport committee could host more sporting events and further broadcast the games on the right channels.”
