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 Waheeda Peters spoke to Joanne Mjoka, Hotel School Restaurant Manager, Department of Hospitality and Tourism. 

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?   

A: “I am the Hotel School Restaurant Manager in the Department of Hospitality and Tourism.” 

Q: How long have you been in that role?   

A: “I joined DUT in September 2019, so this is my third year with the institution as the Restaurant Manager.” 

Q: Please describe yourself in a few words?   

A: “I am a family person, a mother to the most beautiful princess, passionate about food, my job and always want to try something new.  I am always eager to assist wherever possible and seeing someone succeed makes me happy.” 

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

A:  “Working during COVID-19 has been very hectic and also scary at times because no one knows who has the virus and who doesn’t since I am in contact with various people from clients to the suppliers. The fact that we have a ‘new normal’ still does not sink in, but it is the way life has become since the pandemic started. It has caused a humongous turn around in the Hospitality industry, more places were being shut down and it also affected our student training programme in the Hotel School Restaurant and Conference Centre because we hosted a few functions on campus than the previous years and our students could not get enough exposure as expected. The Hotel School has limited capacity intake due to COVID. Despite the strenuous circumstances of COVID-19, we managed to offer our service to our clientele following the DUT COVID-19 rules and regulations and protocols.”   

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

A: “I had suffered from flu symptoms which were similar to those of the COVID-19, and I did perform two tests and believe me, it was scary but both results came back negative. Both incidences taught me to remain calm and not overthink the situation, get enough rest, take the necessary medication, and keep a distance from your loved ones. Losing a loved one is never a pleasant experience that anyone could ever get used to and I hope those who have lost their loved ones due to this pandemic may find comfort, strength, and healing.” 

  Q: What is your daily motivation?   

 A: “Before quitting just remember why you started and test yourself with the impossible and you will know your capability.” 

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

A: “A conversation with God is the first thing I do before I tackle my daily tasks. If my plans for the day are known by him, all is well-taken care of. I normally check my diary the night before just to remind myself of any booked function because they have an impact on the time I need to report to work as my working hours are odd.” 

Q: What are your thoughts about the vaccine and its importance to students and staff?   

A: “The vaccine has been proven to be effective, I just got my jab and overcame my fear. I would advise that those who have not taken their jab should also do so and it has been brought closer to us because the institution has its own vaccination site.” 

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

A: “I play around with food in my kitchen trying to figure out new things, recipes, do a bit of research and also spend time with my family.” 

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

A: “It would be for the COVID-19 virus to go away so that we can go back to living our normal lives.”