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 Hockey star, Kamvelihle Tolwana to share his student experience through sports and academics and how he lives the DUT Living Values.
Name: Kamvelihle Tolwana
Place of birth: Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
Sport code: Hockey
Position: Central midfielder
Qualification: Diploma in ICT : Applications Development
Q: When did you join the DUT sport team?
A: “I joined the DUT Hockey team earlier this year, 2025”
Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?
A: “From a young age watching my sister and cousins play hockey, I was fascinated about this sport unknowingly why, until I got the opportunity to actually participate in it in primary school. Now I’ve gained a passion and a certain level of dedication towards it.”
Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what it entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “As a wide and sometimes central midfielder my role entails linking the defence, and attack to create a fluid, and free flowing transition in the team whilst also being the extra man in both attack and defence to create a numerical advantage for our team.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: “I’m in interested in a whole lot of different global sports but it has to be football that takes it for me as the biggest global sport in the world. A sport that has been forever present in my life, the sport I grew up watching and playing.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “It has to be this year’s University Sport South Africa (USSA) Hockey Tournament in Stellenbosch.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sport?
A: “Sports can act as a stress reliever and a positive distraction for many, considering the huge amounts of academic pressure students face daily.”
Q: Who is your role model and why?
A: “Everyone around me who continues to push the adversities and make ends meet because we all have the same or similar end goals which are ultimately success and freedom.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 living values and principles do you associate with and why?
A: “Integrity, Commitment and Excellence are the values ever present in my day to day life which also hugely can be translated onto the sports field.”
Q: Do you see a future in Hockey?
A: “Definitely, maybe not professionally but I now see hockey as a part of my life and as something I enjoy playing.”
Q: As a DUT star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “I believe that I encourage some of my peers and young kids to be better beings and committed to their work.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “As a student sport has given me something else to look forward to other than just being an academic soldier, it’s basically the light at the end of my tunnel.”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sports?
A: “I urge all universities to push and support all varsity sporting codes through financial and social means and make it reachable to spectators because people can only see and engage with what’s in front of them.”
Pictured: Kamvelihle Tolwana.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.
