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 Miss Nomthandazo Sibisi, Academic Secretary at the Department of Architecture. 

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT

A: “I am an Academic Secretary at the Department of Architecture. I provide essential administrative support to students and staff.” 

Q: How long have you been in that role? 

A: “It has been nine years.” 

Q: Please describe yourself in a few words 

A: “I am outspoken, a people’s person, ambitious, goal driven and passionate about my work.” 

Q: How has it been working during COVID-19? 

A: “It has been a new experience for me. Having to deal with students, staff, parents and the general public using only online platforms has been challenging but I managed to pull through. I have been working from the office because I feel it is more efficient for me. I am able to do more than I can do working from home. Some essential University systems don’t allow me to work from home. I must say I felt the pressure during the registration as I had to make sure all students are registered accordingly and be able to provide help online.” 

Q: How do you deal with the fear of contracting COVID-19 and losing loved ones due to this virus? 

A: “I make sure I follow all the COVID-19 protocols and take my vitamins. I have been more worried about my family especially my mother but we agreed that she will stay home and I will bring whatever she needs. Fortunately, in the rural areas there is not much that she can do. I always pray for better days and for our life to go back to normal.” 

Q: What is your daily motivation? 

A: “To add value to someone’s life, make someone happy.  I feel proud and over the moon when someone thanks me for my help or support.” 

Q: Please take me through a normal day in your life

A: “I wake up, do morning aerobics, get ready for work, get to work and make sure I finish all tasks before the end of the day. After work I prepare supper, watch TV for like an hour and do my research work and sleep around 10pm.”

Q: What are your thoughts about the COVID-19 vaccine? 

A: “I feel that the myths about COVID-19 and vaccines has led to fear and confusion in our society. If it’s going to save us from this miserable life we are living, I would advise people to do what is right for them and their families. Health students and workers should lead by example, make sure they take the vaccine, follow the COVID-19 protocols all the time as they are in the frontline and at high risk. They should prioritize protecting themselves and others.”  

Q: What do you like to do on your spare time? 

A: “I love going out with family, visit friends, shopping and jogging by the sea.” 

Q: If you had one wish, what would it be? 

A: “I wish for COVID-19 to end and we go back to our normal happy life.”