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 Mr Melusi Mhlongo, Head of Operations: Durban and Midlands at the Protection Services Unit.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?

A: “My role at DUT is at the Protection Services Unit, I serve as Head of Operations: Durban and Midlands.  I oversee all operational matters relating to security. Under my leadership I am responsible for ensuring that the in-house Protection Services officers are performing their duties at all times.  As a team, we work closely with the contract security company who report to our office for any security related matters-day and night.”

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

 A: “I have a been part of the DUT family since 01 June 2010 and that makes it 14 years of service.”

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

A: “The ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles are a way of life, I therefore associate it with all the Living Values and Principles. It is important to live a value-based life as this is essential to my personal satisfaction and well-being. Since I have to choose one, I would choose commitment. I mostly associate with commitment, simply because I am committed to living my best way that I can. Living my life the best way that I can brings me happiness and this shows in everything that I do; be it at home or be it at work. Highlighting on my professional space, being committed to my job gives me structure and serves as a daily motivation to keep going and deliver on my duties.”

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

A: “This tagline is motivation to the DUT community. A call for us to all be Creative. Distinctive and Impactful in whatever we do.”

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

A: “I will remain committed to my work and continue living a value-based life which encompasses all the Living Values and Principles, not forgetting to draw motivation from the new DUT tagline: Creative. Distinctive and Impactful.”

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

 A: “I love music, gospel music in particular. To add to this, I am a God fearing man.”

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

 A: “First and foremost, it will motivate DUT staff to adopt the Living Values and Principles and this will lead to having a community living a value-based life. Secondly, it is giving structure and guidance to the journey of achieving and making our institution great. Mostly importantly it will benefit DUT because it calls for every member to be involved as a team and we will achieve more.”

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

A: “In my spare time I like working out in the gym.”

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

A: “I have a significant role in creating a positive impact at work, not only for my team but also for the overall success of our institution. I will continue to make a positive impact at DUT, leading by example, empowering my team through effective communication, setting clear goals, and having an inclusive environment. These strategies are very key and guide me in making a positive impact in the office and overall at DUT.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?   

 A: “My daily motivation is excelling in my duties as this impacts on people’s lives.”