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 Thembinkosi Peter Kalanga, a Teaching and Learning Development Practitioner at the DUT Midlands campus.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I am a Teaching and Learning Development Practitioner. I am responsible for coordinating Student Support Programmes for all the five faculties in the Midlands campus.”
Q: How long have you been in that role?
A: “I have been working in this position for three years now.”
Q: Please describe yourself in a few words?
A: “I am a selfless person and I am always willing to explore and learn more from others.”
Q: How has it been like working during COVID-19?
A: “To be quite honest; it was very challenging but I made it through due to my ability to adapt and respond to change. It was not easy to migrate from the physical teaching and learning to remote working due to the complexity of technology and the fear of contacting COVID-19.”
Q: How do you deal with the fear of contracting COVID-19 and losing loved ones due to this virus?
A: “At first, I was very scared of losing my loved ones (especially my mother), but I gained hope as time went by and I was able to practice the safety majors while educating my loved ones to do the same.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “I will do beyond my best and let the universe decide.”
Q: Please take me through a normal day in your life?
A: “I wake up around 05h00 daily and do physical exercise, then I take a bath around 06h45; skip breakfast and start checking urgent requests/emails for the day. By 08h00 I am at work doing my daily duties such as providing support to students, attending workshops, meetings and also planning for upcoming commitments.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “I am a big fan of music, so I listen to music and do some research about entrepreneurial opportunities.”
Q: If you had one wish what would it be?
A: “The least I need in my life right now is job security.”
