The Durban University of Technology (DUT) continues to commend all its essential services workers for their dedication and commitment in providing services to the DUT community during the COVID-19 pandemic. DUT Communications team’s Nikiwe Sukazi spoke to one of the frontline workers, Mr Malusi Mkhize who is a security officer at DUT’s Steve Biko Campus, gates 1 to 7. Mkhize has been at the forefront since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020.
Q: Please tell me about your role at DUT
A: “I work as a security officer at DUT Steve Biko Campus gates (1 to 7). I am mostly responsible for checking cars that enter and exit the institutional premises.”
Q: How long have you been working at DUT?
A: “I started working on the 15th of January 2020.”
Q: How would you describe yourself?
A: “I am a very kind person who is dedicated to his job and I respect my duties”.
Q: How do you cope with the rising numbers of infections within the country?
A: “This does not sit well with me, more especially if it happens here at DUT. I am responsible for doing access control at the entrance so this means I touch people’s cars, which is kind of scary. Fortunately, DUT is very considerate as they provide us with the necessary kits to protect ourselves.”
Q: How do you destress?
A: “I go to the gym. Gym gets me in the right mood, always.”
Q: Your typical day entails…?
A: “I work a 12-hour shift, so I’m mostly likely to be at work most of the time, of which is challenging because I will be on my feet for so many hours. However, that does not prevail me from performing my duties to the best of my ability.”
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: “Cooking, reading and of course going to the gym.”
Q: Your practical advice on students is…?
A: “Respect everyone without knowing what they do.”
