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 Celiwe Chemane, the Manager: Department for Student Housing and Residence Life at Midlands Campus at DUT.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT? 

A: “I am the Manager for Student Housing and Residence Life at Midlands Campus. I am responsible for managing the Midlands Campus University residences both insourced and outsourced and also to ensure the holistic development of students in residences.”

Q: How long have you been in that role?

A: “I have been in this role since July 2019.”

Q: Please describe yourself in a few words?

A: “I am a philanthropist, an outgoing person, a socialite and I really love helping other people.”

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

A: “It has been very challenging for our department, especially for our students who have been feeling lonely, missing gatherings and all other nice, educative sessions that we use to have before COVID-19 that was helping them to destress, now gatherings are limited with a lot of restrictions.”

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

A: “For me, I can’t say I have a fear of COVID-19 anymore, I have seen the hand of God in my life when I tested positive in July 2020, and by the grace of God I recovered. God has been too good to me and my family. We have not lost a family member due to COVID-19. I do take precautionary measures to protect those next to me and I encourage people to do so.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?

A: “Be yourself because an original is worth more than just a copy – Suzy Kassem.  Leaders instil in their people a hope for success and a belief in themselves. Positive leaders empower people to accomplish their goals—Unknown.”

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

A: “My day starts with a prayer, then preparing for work in the office, it depends if I have early meetings or I have to attend to queries in residences.”

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

A: “I like doing community engagement activities, and I’m busy with the youth, church, etc.”

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

A: “My wish will be for every DUT student to take their studies seriously, pass, graduate, get employed and go back home and make a great impact in their society.”