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 Shahieda Kraft, Secretary to the Manager at the Writing Centre at Steve Biko Campus.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I work at the Writing Centre, based on the Steve Biko campus. I am the Secretary to the Manager and oversee general administration duties for the department.”
Q: How long have you been in that role?
A: “I have worked at the Writing Centre for nine years now.”
Q: Please describe yourself in a few words?
A: “I love meeting people, discussing current events in the world and my passion is technology. I always have the latest gadgets.”
Q: How has it been like working during COVID-19?
A: “It was an extremely difficult two years. We were confronted with something different to what we were used to. We became scared to go out, to meet with family and friends. Returning to the office was a frightening experience. On the positive side, we adapted and saw that working online did not mean we were less productive. We all worked longer hours, and became more adaptive and productive while at it.”
Q: How do you deal with the fear of contracting COVID-19 and losing loved ones due to this virus?
A: “I am the primary caregiver to my 80-year-old dad, who has dementia and heart failure. I was extremely nervous about contracting COVID-19, as I would more than likely pass it onto him. We were more than fortunate that we survived the last two years. I did, however, lose quite a few colleagues, family and friends to this dreadful virus.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “To be the best that I can be, even during times like we have gone through the last two years.”
Q: Please take me through a normal day in your life?
A: “I wake up at 5am, do my daily prayers, get dressed and then make breakfast for my dad and make sure his medication is sorted for the day. When I get to the office, I usually check my emails, discuss daily to-do items with my manager and then we start working. After work I prefer spending time with my dad.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “I love reading, watching good TV-series, and taking walks on the beach.”
Q: If you had one wish what would it be?
A: “For the pandemic to end. For us to be able to live our lives as normal as can be. For KwaZulu-Natal to not have to go through any more difficult periods such as flooding or looting.”
