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 Ms Minenhle Xulu, Administrator at Indumiso Campus (School of Education) in Pietermaritzburg. 

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT 

A: “I assist students with employment and getting work experience. When students are looking for employment or in-service training, they send their CVs to our department. So, when companies are requesting or looking for DUT students they request them from our department, and I send the students’ CVs based on the qualification they are looking for; or a certain criterion that meets their organisational need. I also facilitate the interview process.” 

Q: How long have been with DUT? 

A: “I have been with DUT for three years.” 

Q: Please describe yourself in a few words 

A: “I’m an open-minded person, very crazy about technology and enjoy seeing people reaching their full potential and willing to play a role or support a person to reach that level.” 

 Q: How has it been like working amidst the pandemic COVID-19? 

A: “It has been hectic, especially adapting into working remotely, also since our department deals with engagements, we had to shift most of them to virtual. Some of the physical interactions are not the same since now we have to speak with masks on, you are unsure of someone’s facial reaction to what you presenting to them, it has been hectic but we slowly adapted to it.” 

Q: How do you deal with the fear of losing your loved ones to COVID-19? 

A: “The fear of losing anyone who is close to you or loved one is inevitable, but we can only be prepared for it. What I do is I spend most of my time praying for them and communicating with them more. I never miss a time or a chance to spend with them just so if the time comes, I know it was God’s plan and I spent my time with them. I also try not to dwell on the feeling as well.” 

Q: What is your daily motivation? 

A: “To do my best to help any individual and always show kindness.” 

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

A: “I Drink coffee, check for outstanding company requests and action the ones that are outstanding. Then I will update the students’ CV database, contact students for updates if they are employed or not. Also, contact departments to find out if they have students who are looking for job/in-service training. The rest of the day is dedicated to listening to company queries about DUT students, going through my emails to see if there are any tasks that need my attention and do sticky notes for reminders and schedule meetings.” 

 Q: What are your thoughts on the vaccine? 

A: “It’s a good thing and I support it as long as it is taken voluntarily and people that are sceptical of it are not forced.” 

Q: What do you usually do on your spare time? 

A: “Exploring things outside my comfort zone, mostly outdoor activities. I read a lot of personal development books and biographies, watch movies and cooking shows. I can cook but I want to be the best at it.” 

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

A: “Knowing my purpose. Based on my observations, dreams and goals have deadlines and are most likely to change over time but with purpose you wake up knowing what to do where to go and it never changes, directions get clear as you move closer towards it.”