Durban University of Technology (DUT) approved the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework. The five values are identified as transparency, honesty, integrity, respect and accountability. The principles espoused are fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion and excellence. DUT’s Communications team, Waheeda Peters spoke to Siphokazi Dlamini, Marketing and Communications Officer in the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT? 

A: “I serve as a Marketing and Communications Officer in the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics. Additionally, I hold the position of a Residence Advisor in one of the DUT Residences.”

Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?  

A: “I have proudly been a part of the DUT family for the past five years.”

Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?  

A: “I strongly resonate with transparency. I firmly believe in the importance of transparency in all our endeavours. As a Residence Advisor, transparency is particularly crucial as we work closely with students.”

Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.  

A: “While the new DUT tagline, Creative. Distinctive. Impactful, is undeniably ambitious, I perceive that the current culture at DUT may still have some way to go before fully embodying these ideals.”

Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?   

A: “My strategy is to stay aligned with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework which involves attending Living Values workshops consistently and leading by example in embracing these values and principles.”

Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?

A: “A lesser-known fact about me is that I am an entrepreneur, running my own beauty business, and a devoted mother to my two wonderful boys.”

Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?   

A: “The ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework has the potential to strengthen unity among departments and units. It can help foster a sense of community, encouraging the DUT family to behave more cohesively, akin to a family rather than a mere business entity.”

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

A: “During my leisure time, I find joy in reading novels and experimenting with cooking.”

Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?   

A: “My approach to making a positive impact at DUT revolves around authenticity, student-centredness, and embodying the core values of ENVISION2030.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?   

A: “My daily motivation is rooted in believing in myself and maintaining unwavering determination to never give up in all that I do.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT?   

A: “Looking ahead, my aspirations at DUT include aiming for the role of the next Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement.”

Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be? 

A: “If granted a single wish, it would be for every child to have access to quality education, ensuring a brighter future for all.”