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, Simangele Zuma spoke to Thabo Lethabo Sikhakhane, intern at the Disability Rights Unit and Central Housing Executive President.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?  

A: “I work as an intern at the Disability Rights Unit and I am also the Central Housing Executive President under Student Housing and Residence Life unit. I am an advocate for students with disabilities and I provide mobility services on a daily basis. I pride myself in making sure that all students with disabilities are treated with fairness, respect in the university setting because I believe in stewardship and Ubuntu.”

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

A: “I have been a part of the DUT family for the past four years, having joined in 2020. I am a cum laude graduate in Higher Certificate in Human Resources Management.”

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

A: “I strongly relate to integrity because it aligns with my commitment to ethical behaviour, honesty, and fairness in all my endeavours at DUT. It involves acting with honour and accountability, even when faced with challenges or difficult circumstances. Integrity is essential for building trust, fostering respect, and maintaining solid personal and professional relationships.”

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

A: “The tagline reflects the university’s commitment to innovation, uniqueness, and meaningful influence in the community. I strongly relate to impactful and creativity because whatever we do should and must leave a mark in one’s life especially with programmes that we have.”

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

 A: “I plan to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework by actively participating in related workshops and educational sessions, and consistently applying these values in my daily interactions and decision-making processes.”

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

A: “Most people do not know that I am a very sensitive person who takes things to heart and that I am fond of building meaningful connections with others.”

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

A: “The ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework will benefit DUT by promoting a culture of transparency, integrity, and excellence, ultimately fostering a more ethical and respectful environment for all members of the university community.”

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

A: “In my spare time, I love to read and assist students with issues they may come across. I have a passion for singing but I don’t know how to sing.”

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

A: “By serving all students with dignity and respect. I plan to create an environment that will be inclusive of all students in the university. Collaboration with the various offices and student leaders in structures to have establish creative and impactful programmes in the university.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?   

A: “My daily motivation comes from a scripture in the bible found in the book Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, there is nothing that can stop me. I can achieve anything I wish to achieve in Christ because I am fearfully and wonderfully made in his image.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT? 

A: “My future goals at DUT, include serving as a mentor to first-year students and advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community and students with disabilities. My dedication is to supporting and empowering these groups within the university community reflects a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all. By pursuing these goals, it is to contribute to promoting diversity, equity, and a sense of belonging for everyone at DUT.”

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

A: “If I were granted one wish, it would be to create a more inclusive and equitable environment where all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have equal access to opportunities for personal and professional growth.”