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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 to providing services to the university community during the COVID-19 pandemic. DUT’s Communications team’s Simangele Zuma spoke to Ms Hlengiwe Mabizela, Work Integrated Learning Coordinator at the Department of Public Management, Law & Economics at DUT Midlands.     

  

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?  

A: “I am a Coordinator for Work Integrated Learning in the Department of Public Management, Law & Economics at DUT Midlands. I am responsible for experiential learning placements and work preparedness of our students. This is to ensure that students are well-equipped with knowledge and necessary skills as they prepare to go to the world of work after obtaining their qualifications.”  

   

Q: How long have you been in that role?   

A: “I started at DUT as a Tutor in the same department in 2016, and later in 2019, I was appointed as a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Coordinator.”   

   

Q: Please describe yourself in a few words?    

A: “I am very a hard-working individual who is hungry for success, an organised individual, who is also passionate about motivating and empowering the people around me.”  

   

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

A: “It has been difficult, but one had to adapt and adjust to the new reality. Many tasks were delayed including that of placing students for experiential learning because of the strict lockdown regulations. I had to adjust and embrace the digital shift as everything went online, including conducting meetings with host employers and other relevant stakeholders.”  

   

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

A: “Many battles are won through prayer, so as a spiritual person I believe that prayer is the weapon that got me through the first phase of the COVID-19 outbreak. I also make sure that I am always safe by exercising health precautions so that I do not put my life and those around me at risk but most importantly I educate myself about the COVID-19 pandemic, as DUT hosts COVID-19 webinars/seminars, I make sure that I stay informed.”  

   

Q: What is your daily motivation?   

A: “Currently, it is recommitting to my goals every morning, meaning every day. The country is currently confronted with a lot of social and economic issues (Unemployment, poverty, inequality, GBV etc.) and we are in the middle of the pandemic, however what is important to me is not to lose hope and continue to focus on my life goals. This is a journey, not a destination.”   

   

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

A: “My normal day includes waking up, going to work, engaging with colleagues, students and host employers, doing aerobics and later focusing on my research studies and spending time with my family.”  

  

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

A: “In my spare time, I focus on reading research articles for my research studies, hanging out with friends and family.”  

   

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

A: “To be successful.”   

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