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 Wiseman Phakathi, Committee Officer under the Department of Committees Administration at DUT.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?

A: “I’m employed under the Department of Committees Administration as a Committee Officer.  My role is the provide secretariat services to the Institutional Governance Structures and Management Committees.”

Q: How long have you been in that role? 

A: “I have been in this role from 01 October 2020; however, I was no stranger to DUT.  I had worked for approximately nine years prior to my appointment to this role.”

Q: Please describe yourself in a few words?

A: “I’m a very passionate, hardworking and a respectful individual.”

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

A: “At first I was very anxious, but later I realised that one had to be adaptive to the new working ways, explore and use all pieces of technology at our disposal to continue with providing high quality service to our stakeholders. We had back to back virtual management meetings where important decisions were taken to guide the University community in terms of regulations, rules, protocols, precautionary measures for each level of COVID-19, to be followed.”

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

A: “COVID-19 gave us a horrible experience and we still have unhealed wounds from losing our loved ones, but with the strength of God we have adapted to the new normal and continuously exercise all the precautionary measures to minimise chances of getting the virus.”

Q: What is your daily motivation? 

A: “My kids are my daily motivation, I always work hard to make sure that I’m able to provide for them, set the high bar that will inspire them to even become much better than me and achieve more.  I aim to always lead by example.”

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

A: “On my normal day, I take a 10 to 15 km jog in the morning, then refresh and go to work.  After work, I will spend an hour chatting with friends about social issues and other general staff nationally and internationally. I then go back home to watch TV, mostly news and sport channels.”

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

A: “I’m a sports person, I miss being in the stadium watching soccer games. I enjoy spending some quality time with my kids and fiancé and travelling. I always help my kids with school work.”

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

A: “To further my studies and achieve more in my career.”