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PROVIDING ESSENTIAL SERVICES TO THE DUT COMMUNITY IN THE TIMES OF A PANDEMIC

PROVIDING ESSENTIAL SERVICES TO THE DUT COMMUNITY IN THE TIMES OF A PANDEMIC

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 Simangele Zuma spoke to Ms Silindile Qwabe, an Executive Secretary to the Director: Midlands Campuses.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?

A: “I am an Executive Secretary to the Director: Midlands Campuses.”

Q: How long have you been in that role?

A: “I joined DUT in March 2020.”

Q: Please describe yourself in a few words?

A: “I am one individual who is hardworking, creative, kind and flexible.”

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

A: “When the pandemic struck, the country had to close borders and announce level 5 lockdown. I was only two weeks into working at the University at the time, it was a bit challenging at first working online with new staff members I have never met, but it was relieving when the lockdown levels were eased and front office and essential service employees were allowed to return to campus.”

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

A: “We have lost staff members and our loved ones through this pandemic. I always adhere to COVID-19 protocols and if we can all follow necessary regulations and encourage each other to vaccinate, we can speedily come out of fear and return back to our normal life.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?

A: “I am that brave person who is not afraid of taking risks and challenges in life. I am motivated by Nelson Mandela’s quote that says, ‘It only seems impossible until it’s done’.”

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

A: “I am guided by my monthly plan that is broken down to weekly and daily schedules. As the Executive Secretary, I provide day to day support and assistance to the Campus Director, Imbali Education and Innovation Precinct and both Midlands campuses. I use a very powerful tool called Monday.com which is a Work Operating System that powers teams to run projects and workflows.”

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

A: “I like travelling, listening to music and engaging in community activities.”

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

A: “We are losing family members, colleagues, students and our loved ones through COVID-19, others have lost their jobs and other entrepreneurs and companies had to close their businesses because of this pandemic. My wish is to see every citizen vaccinated so that we can go back to our normal life.”

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