The Durban University of Technology (DUT) continues to commend all its essential workers for their dedication and commitment in providing services to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. DUT’s Communications team’s Nikiwe Sukazi spoke to Mr Zamani Mayeza, Community Engagement Coordinator in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I coordinate all community engagement events for the Faculty of Health Sciences. I manage a clinic in Cato Ridge, and I am also involved in the recruitment of students, where we visit different schools to do career guidance.”
Q: How long have you been in that role?
A: “I have been in this role for five years.”
Q: Please describe yourself in a few words
A: “I am kind and I love working with people.”
Q: How has it been like working during COVID-19?
A: “It has not been easy at all. We are restricted when it comes to seeing patients at the clinic, it has been temporary closed because of COVID-19. Regarding recruitment, it is better because we can find schools that have a big space where COVID-19 rules and regulations are abided by.”
Q: How do you deal with the fear of contracting COVID-19 and losing loved ones due to this virus?
A: “I strictly adhere to the COVID-19 regulations. By doing so not only am I protecting my family at home but my colleagues too.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “I am alive and that alone keeps me motivated. I can do my daily routine and work too.”
Q: Please take me through a normal day in your life
A: “I wake up, get ready for work, when I’m off from work then I stay at home and write reports if necessary.”
Q: What are your thoughts about the vaccine and its importance to health students and workers?
A: “It is essential that everyone gets vaccinated because we are now curving the spread of COVID-19, so it is important that we all become immune to the virus. Health Sciences students are exposed to patients almost every day, so it is a great thing that the government prioritised them too.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time
A: “I usually go visit my mother on weekends and my wife and baby.”
Q: If you had one wish what would it be?
A: “I wish there would be peace in this world, in terms of politics and the economy.”