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 teams Nomvelo Zulu spoke to Romeo Matumba, Marketing and Communication Librarian at the Library Directorate on the ML Sultan Campus.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?

A: “I am a Marketing and Communication Librarian based at the Library Directorate on the ML Sultan Campus. I am responsible for marketing, communication, and quality assurance at DUT libraries. My role includes organising and facilitating library events and activities, editing and publishing library communications and publications such as the library newsletter (Library Connect), annual reports, etc.”

Q: How long have you been in that role?

A: “I have been in this role since June 2020. However, I joined DUT in March 2016 as a subject librarian based in the Midlands campus.”

Q: Please describe yourself in a few words?

A: “My life will begin this year (40). My family is my priority, and I also care deeply about community development. Currently, I serve as chairperson of the school governing body in one of the high schools in Durban. Professionally, I am a member of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), as well as a member of the Management and Marketing Standing Committee of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). Furthermore, I recently completed a degree of Master of Management Sciences in Library and Information Science.

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

A: “It has been quite an experience. I took over this role in the middle of COVID-19 and working from home was at first a bit challenging, but now I enjoy working both remotely and from the office. COVID-19 has changed the pace of working and has also introduced new ways of working and living.”

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

A: “At first, the level of fear was remarkably high as I also lost people who were close to me due to COVID-19. With the help of my colleagues at DUT, friends and family members, the fear is less than before as we keep on reminding each other to keep safe and adhere to COVID-19 protocols.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?

A: “Staying focused will make you unstoppable in whatever you plan to achieve. Pay attention to the small details every day if you want to achieve and build on your dreams. This motivation has helped me focus on the most significant things to me in pursuit of my dreams.”

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

A: “During weekdays, I drop off my kids at school. My day is normally filled with attending planning meetings as I partake in many projects, committees and working groups in the library. In the afternoons, I usually jog at the beach or play indoor soccer and at times read and discuss books with my boss (the wife).”

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

A: “The librarian in me loves reading and meeting new people, and the sportsman in me always takes me to jog and play soccer with friends. The married man in me enjoys spending quality time with my family.”

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

A: “To make it possible for every African child to read at least one book every 2 months.”