Page 7 - DUT The Edge - Aug/Sept 2021

VOX POPS
7
VOX POPS
Smanga Zungu, fourth-year Civil Engineering student
“COVID-19 is still a threat to those who have not been vaccinated yet. Some who get infected with COVID-19 end up being hospitalised and some have ongoing health problems.Therefore, I agree, and I do think it is important for everyone to get the vaccine.”
Samukeliso Phiri, third-year Civil Engineering student
“I think vaccination is crucial and we should get vaccinated to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
Musa Nene, third-year Information Technology Software Engineering student
“Personally, I do not agree. I prefer natural remedies as far my health is concerned; it ties in with my spirituality as well.”
With the perpetuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination has become a hot topic. EDGE reporter Nikiwe Sukazi conducted virtual interviews with students to nd out their thoughts on the subject.
Nontobeko Ngcamu, third- year Business and Information Management student
“I strongly agree with the idea of getting vaccinated. I believe that vaccination is a safe way to keep us immune to the virus and to save people’s lives more than anything.”
Nomusa Khomo, third-year Economic Management student
“I agree. Vaccination is a safer choice for everyone because some people with COVID-19 feel ne. Not everyone gets sick, hence everyone must vaccinate to be protected from COVID-19. The vaccine is safe and effective!”
Opinion Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in the EDGE are those of the authors and do not necessarily re ect the of cial policy or position of the Durban University of Technology (DUT).Any content provided by our students are their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company or individual.
MANSI STOKES HER PASSION OF DESIGNING CLOTHES DESPITE HER PHYSICAL CHALLENGES
Talented fashion designer Nosipho Mansi completed her National Diploma in Clothing in 2019 at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) despite suffering from lower leg lymphadema.
Lymphedema occurs when your lymph vessels are unable to adequately drain lymph uid, usually from an arm or leg.
“I was diagnosed when I was six years of age.You either wear pressure stockings or elevate your feet to reduce the swelling.The condition is caused by damaged lymph nodes, which can’t drain all the water in your body.”
“I started designing in Craft in my matric year where I altered my matric dress and I then started making clothes with the help of my aunt,” she said. “I deal with orders, then I showcase what I have in different fashion shows but now this is not possible due to COVID-19.”
Mansi spoke fondly of her time as a DUT student, saying that it is where she got a chance to be a Green Campus Initiative Rep and had the opportunity to do a fashion show at her residence to showcase her fashion work.
“Another highlight was participating in the choir, as it is my second passion. Also, the people and connections I made while living at res and meeting people on campus, were also amazing, especially when students would comment and say that they loved what I wore and took
my number so I that I could sew for them,” she said.
In terms of physical challenges, she said that the only issue was when she would sit down for long hours in lecture rooms, which made her legs feel numb due to her condition.
Straight after university, due to her stunning designs, she landed an opportunity to go to Cape Town and do a graduate programme with Woolworths, and she has continued with her passion ever since.
Mansi believes in listening to and making what the customer wants. At this stage, however, her biggest challenge is meeting up with different people for physical measurements, but she aims to always practice safety measures and hopes that business picks up as the pandemic subsides.
She is con dent that she will be able to overcome her business challenges by having faith and not being scared of COVID-19 as there are ways to protect herself if she adheres to the rules and precautions set out by the health authorities.
Her motto in life is that she would rather die or experience challenges while doing what she loves most rather than not doing it, because “you only have one life to live and a talent to show the world”.
Waheeda Peters
Pictured: Nosipho Mansi