The Durban University of Technology (DUT) continues to commend all its essential workers for their dedication and commitment to providing services to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. DUT’s Communications team’s Simangele Zuma spoke to Dr Luther-King Junior Zogli, Lecturer: Department of Applied Management at Riverside Campus, in Pietermaritzburg. 

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?

A: “I am a lecturer in the Department of Applied Management at Riverside Campus, in Pietermaritzburg.”

Q: How long have you been in that role? 

A: “I have been a lecturer at DUT for the past seven years.”

Q: Please describe yourself in a few words?

A: “I am an approachable person who is always willing to learn.”

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

A: “It came as a surprise to all of us and in the beginning, it was challenging getting the hang of working online. The pandemic also brought a lot of anxiety, uncertainty and loss, so it was difficult to always concentrate on work. Nonetheless, I always try my best to contribute to giving students and colleagues a great online experience and to be a source of optimism.”   

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

A: “In the beginning, there was little to no information about the novel virus coupled with a lot of fake news which put most of us in a panic mode. We also lost some family members, colleagues and friends making the situation worse. However, the immense support from my wife, family and friends has kept me going.”

Q: What is your daily motivation? 

 A: “To be someone my family, friends, students and colleagues can consistently trust.”

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

A: “I wake up very early and have a quiet time with my family. After that, I either cycle, walk or do weight exercises depending on the weather and/or season.

At 8:30am, I sit and free write any idea that come to mind and then proceed to responding to emails and messages on Teams. The rest of my business day is divided between lecturing and student consultations, working on research articles, collaborating with colleagues on projects, communicating with my postgraduate students, coordinating my department’s Extended Curriculum Programme, attending meetings and/or on other matters that require my attention.”

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

A: “I have a demanding schedule so I rest a lot during my spare time. I also spend time with my family, doing fun activities.”

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

A: “To live in the times where Africans have control over their basic necessities.”