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 Sports Officer, Mr Yandisa Mdolomba to share his student experience through sports and academics and how he lives the DUT Living Values.
Name: Yandisa Mdolomba
Place of birth: Kokstad
Sport codes: Athletics, Sailing, Hockey, Bodybuilding, Staff Sports, Disability sports, Supa-Pool
Occupation: Sports Officer
Q: When did you become part of the DUT sports management?
A: “I joined the DUT Sport Administration unit in 2024.”
Q: What encouraged you to be part of the DUT sports management?
A: “I am an Alumnus of DUT and giving back to the institution was a big motivator for me.”
Q: In terms of the role you play as a sport officer, kindly elaborate what is entails and how it benefits the sports codes?
A: “My role is very broad and diverse that it differs according to the different sport codes I am involved with. In summary, we plan, organise, and manage sports programmes and events, including recruiting teams, players, managing schedules, logistics, and ensuring compliance with relevant rules and regulations of the different organisations we are affiliated to.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: “As a sports Officer I am interested in all sports as each sport is unique.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “As a Sport Officer, I have hosted University Sport South Africa (USSA) Rugby, Hockey Championships and Varsity Shield Rugby.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sport?
A: “Sport has so many different benefits to students and each student benefits differently to the next. However, the most common benefits would include: promotion of physical health, improvement in mental well-being, and it encourages social cohesion, teamwork and leadership development.”
Q: Who is your role model and why?
A: “Honestly, I do not have one at the moment.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 living values and principles do you associate with and why?
A: “I associate myself with all the living values as they form a great part of who I am as a person. If I had to pick one, I would pick respect. Respect creates a positive culture amongst the people involved. Respect positively impacts all the other living values in one way or the other.”
Q: Do you see a future as a sports officer?
A: “Yes, I do. Sport is always evolving and to me that is exciting due to the fact that there is always an opportunity to expand and grow.”
Q: As a DUT Sport Officer, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “Sport offers opportunities for individuals to connect and interact with others, building friendships and promotes a sense of community. Sport also promotes physical fitness, helping to combat sedentary lifestyles and reduce the risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues within the community.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “It has had a great impact in my life as it has given me a platform to study, make friends, be physically and mentally fit.”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sports?
A: “The world has moved more into a digital space, it would make sense to increase visibility and interaction with people on social media and other digital platforms. It would also help to have other entertainment activities in the events that speak to the demographics we wish to attract and keep coming back. I believe that such ideas will promote social cohesion for the people who attend the events.”
