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 Simangele Zuma spoke to Mrs Nitasha Singh-Sakichand, Faculty Officer in the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I am a Faculty Officer in one of the largest Faculties in the University, the dynamic Faculty of Accounting and Informatics. My role involves supporting the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics, Professor Oludayo Olugbara in managing the Faculty office with the implementation of policies, procedures and systems and overseeing the student administrative function of the Faculty.”
Q: How long have you been in that role?
A: “It has been 10 exciting and challenging years in the position, allowing me to grow and contribute to supporting a dynamic Faculty.”
Q: Please describe yourself in a few words?
A: “I am a kind, dedicated, committed, hard-working person, fair and most importantly have a high level of integrity.”
Q: How has it been like working during COVID-19?
A: “COVID-19 has forced me to relook at the systems that we have in place and to reinvent our processes so we are still able to provide the high level of service whether in the office or working remotely. The ‘new’ normal has definitely been challenging as we find ourselves going beyond the work hours and having to provide a more interactive online communication with students and other stakeholders.”
Q: How do you deal with the fear of contracting COVID-19 and losing loved ones due to this virus?
A: “I contracted COVID-19 in July 2021 and the closeness and fear of the unknown of the virus hit home. Spending 14 days in quarantine forced me to realise that life is short and we need to treasure every moment with our loved ones. I have seen much loss of loved ones around with family and friends during the pandemic.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “My daily motivation is to ensure that I make a difference in every aspect of my life both personally and in my career. Everything that I do is done with 100% passion and making an impact in another person’s life gives me motivation to keep going the extra mile.”
Q: Please take me through a normal day in your life?
A: “My day starts off early with my first and foremost role as a mum to my two wonderful sons, Saihirr and Sohaill ensuring that they are prepared and ready to start off the school day. Thereafter I ensure that I am ready to face my daily hectic work schedule. Ensuring that I prioritise my tasks and striving to get through the never-ending to do list is key to my day.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “I love spending time with my family nurturing our relationships, I enjoy travelling and visiting new places. After a long day at the office, I love to just relax and unwind with my family blocking out the craziness of the day.”
Q: If you had one wish what would it be?
A: “If I had a magic wand, I would wish for a better environment in our country for our future generations where they can be proud of the heritage they grew up in. I hope that I make a difference to play my role in making a mark in whatever I do.”
