As part of its ENVISION2030 strategy, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) aspires to produce adaptive graduates who will participate productively in the development of our region, country and the world. S’bonelo Dlamini, a member of DUT’s Communications team, recently engaged with the DUT Rugby star, Reneilwe Masiavhula , to share her student experience through sports, academics and how she lives the DUT Living Values.
Name: Reneilwe Masiavhula
Place of birth: Polokong, Sebokeng
Sport code: Rugby
Qualification: Diploma in Information and Communications Technology: Business Analysis.
Q: When did you join the DUT Rugby team?
A: “I joined last year, 2024.”
Q: What sparked your interest in rugby?
A: “I was told I could not play a sport meant for boys, so I wanted to prove people wrong.”
Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what is entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “I play the lock, which is part of the scrum and lineout packs, these two play makers allow a fair chance of fighting for the ball. In the line outs, I lift and jump to try and secure the ball.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: I would like to practice Karate, it seems interesting and has a lot of discipline needed to play the sport.
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “I represented the KZN Sharks in the under 20 tournament two years in a row (2024 and 2025 ).”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sport?
A: “It allows students to grow into leaders and adults that know how to handle stress. Sport is also not just about the games but about improving our mental health and if we are being honest that’s one of the things students struggle with. It serves as a barrier of comfort between being a student and a young adult.”
Q: Who is your role model and why?
A: “Iloner Maher, she is one of the athletes that is not afraid to embrace both her femininity and muscular side without any fear of being judged. To me she is a reminder that a woman can be both strong and sensitive at the same time.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 living values and principles do you associate with and why?
A: “Transparency and excellence because I am one person who strives for excellence. I would say I am an overachiever but you can’t be an overachiever if you were born for greatness. For transparency, I just value the truth.”
Q: Do you see a future in Rugby?
A: “Yes, I believe that more is still yet to come out of rugby.”
Q: As a DUT Rubgy star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “My role is to remind young girls that whatever they wish to achieve they can achieve, with hard work and determination.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “Sport has made me a force to reckon with because most times I am reminded that there is nothing I can’t do. It has been a coping mechanisms for me for the longest time. It has kept me disciplined and confident.”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sports?
A: “Having pop-ups before the varsity sports starts and encouraging spectators to come by offering them incentives.”
