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ENVISION2030 LIVING VALUES FRAMEWORK

ENVISION2030 LIVING VALUES FRAMEWORK

As mentioned by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Professor Thandwa Mthembu, ENVISION2030 is based on four Perspectives, the first of these being Stewardship. Stewardship is defined as a values-and principles-based collective responsibility and accountability, as custodians, for all that is ours: our people, our infrastructure, resources and the environment.”

Within the Stewardship Perspective are 3 Strategic Objectives, the first of these being Lived Values. This specific Strategic Objective is about “nurturing a people-centred culture that embodies our values and principles”.  The first step in the creation of a Lived Values Framework for DUT was the determination of a set of values and principles for DUT. Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku explains his role and how he espouses this Living Values Framework.

Dr Moreku indicated that as the Dean of students he overseers the efficient and effective management of the student services sector which comprise of five units, namely Student Counselling and Health, Student Financial Aid, Sports Administration, Student Housing and Residence Life, and Student Governance and Development. His vision and mission is to ensure that there is holistic student support at DUT through projects and programmes that enhance student life.

“Through participation of students in Clubs and Societies and Living and Learning principles in the residences we intentionally enhance student experiences to produce argyle and entrepreneurial graduates. Through Sikusekele, which loosely translated mean We Got You, we have Food Security Forum (such as Phakimpilo to deal with student food insecurity), Student Training and Development (such as VUNA Leadership Academy), Mental Health and Wellness, through Counselling and health unit,” he said.

Dr Moreku commented that they have other key projects where students play a critical role such as One Residence One Garden (ROG), GCI, residences, projects which address food security, the greening of DUT campuses and cleaning of the environment in line with the stewardship and sustainability perspectives.

“This ensures that students are part of an engaged University in line with the society perspective,” he said.

In terms of DUT’s ENVISION2030 Strategic Plan, Dr Moreku shares how his role intertwines with it.

“My role naturally interlaces with ENVISION2030 in more ways than one. As the head of Student Services, it is my duty and responsibility to ensure that all staff and students within my ambit understand the DUT Institutional Culture and Lived Values. This is done through the different forums we create and the documents we share with them. Through roadshows and workshops we cascade the principles and values of the ENVISION2030. ENVISION2030 interlaces with the Annual Performance Plans and for impact staff it is expected to measure all their programmes and projects and their KPIs to be linked to their duties and in submission of reports,” he added.

He further explained that ENVISION2030 also serves as a tracker to check whether staff have reached set targets as per their individual Performance Agreements.

“We have also ensured that, as we provide holistic student support, we work collaboratively with all the units in the sector by breaking the silos and creating cohesion. This collaboration is also inter-divisional, as we work with colleagues in the academic, research, innovation and engagement departments,” he said.

Dr Moreku elaborated on the Living Values Framework from his perspective, with regards its impact on the associated behaviour of the key pillars and how it supports his unit and the DUT community at large.

“The Living Values for me are like a bouquet of ethos, yardsticks and morals that define our corporate culture as the DUT community. It ensures that we view things from the same lens. These values include transparency, honesty, integrity, respect, accountability, fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion and excellence, as enshrined in the ENVISION2030,” he stressed.

He further conveyed that amongst others, Living Values engenders engaging in dialogue to resolve divergent views amicably; behaving in a caring manner that protects the safety, interests and rights of all in the DUT community and the University, and upholding a strong work ethic and commitment to high standards.

Dr Moreku also gave insight into the way forward, especially for 2023 in terms of espousing this Living Values Framework for students and staff.

“Student services will finalise its operational plan for 2023 by the end of November 2022 extracted from the EAPP 2023. For instance, the 2022/2023 SRC pledge was crafted with the excerpts from the student lived values, to ensure that our student leaders commit themselves to the DUT values and principles. The VUNA Leadership Academy and the Student Parliament, which comprise of the majority of student leaders, will also have to adhere to the ENVISION2030 strategic plan,” he commented.

In conclusion Dr Moreku stressed that Student Services is a critical sector within the University and an important  player in ensuring that DUT realises its ENVISION2030.

“It serves as a locus of support for students and an enabler of the interconnection between academic, psycho-social and student governance, thus an anchor of academic success and civic development of our students. Therefore, enhanced student life-cycle is imperative, through holistic student support. Through ENVISION2030,” he said.

Pictured: Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku

Waheeda Peters

 

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