As part of its ENVISION2030 strategy, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) aims to produce adaptive graduates that will participate meaningfully in the development of their region, the country and beyond. S’bonelo Dlamini, a member of DUT’s Communications team, recently spoke with DUT hockey player Mihlale Mzilwa, about her student experience balancing sports and academics and how she embodies the DUT Living Values.
Name: Mihlali Mzilwa
Place of birth: Mount Ayliff, Eastern Cape
Sport code: Hockey
Qualification: Bachelor of Health Sciences in Diagnostic Radiography
Q: When did you join the DUT Hockey team?
A: “I joined the team during my first year at DUT, in 2024.”
Q: What sparked your interest in hockey?
A: “I have played hockey since primary school. Although I paused playing in high school, I still had love and passion for it. This kept me passionate about the sport, hence I decided to play it at university.”
Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what it entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “I play defence as a sweeper and sometimes centre back. It’s a very helpful position as the defenders ensure that the opposing team does not score. I also distribute the ball to my backs and midfielders for them to push it forward. My position is very versatile to a point where I sometimes help in taking short corners as well during games.”
Q: Which other sports are you interested in and why?
A: “Netball. I used to play both netball and hockey, but I grew fond of hockey. I would also like to join or learn swimming although I’m not sure if it’s still available in the university.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “The University Sports South Africa (USSA) tournament . I was granted an opportunity to go represent the university alongside my teammates at Stellenbosch in Cape Town for the USSA tournament for 2025 and it was such a great experience.”
Q: Why is it important for DUT to develop students in sport?
A: “Sport helps you not just physically, but mentally as well. It helps to open and relax your mind from all the academic stress and you feel rejuvenated all over again. It’s a very good coping mechanism.”
Q: Who is your role model and why?
A: “In hockey, I would say I aspire to play like Ongeziwe Mali who plays for Matties and the South African team. She’s very good and passionate and I just look up to her.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 Living Values and principles do you associate with and why?
A: “Honesty and transparency. I believe these are very essential more especially in sport because if you are not honest to yourself or your teammates, you are not cheating them but you’re cheating yourself. You can sometimes delay the progress of the team without discipline and honesty.”
Q: Do you see a future in hockey?
A: “Yes, I do. If I could dedicate myself to it more and commit more, I believe I could go places with the sport.”
Q: As a DUT hockey player, how does your role benefit your community?
A: ”It benefits my community in a way that enables me to inspire my peers, inspiring them to fight for their dreams, and believe in themselves and be courageous.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “Sport has made quite an impact in my life because it has helped me cope in many things especially my academics. I’m a jack of all trades and I’m involved in a lot of things like trying to grow as an influencer, my leadership positions at residence and at DUT, going for hospital rotations and attending classes. Then when I go for sport it clears my mind and I forget about all those things for a while. So sport is very therapeutic to me and it’s a coping mechanism.”
Q: Can you suggest ideas to attract spectators to varsity sport events?
A: “The university can promote sport events through social media platforms.”
