As part of its ENVISION2030 strategy, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) aspires to produce adaptive graduates that will participate productively in the development of our region, country and the world. Mnqobi Ngobese, DUT Communication’s editorial team member, recently engaged with the DUT boxing rising star Fezeka Dlamini to share her student experience through sports and academics and how she lives the DUT Living Values.
Name: Fezeka Dlamini
Place of birth: Nongoma
Sport code: Boxing
Qualification: Bachelor of Health Sciences in Homeopathy
Q: When did you join the DUT Sport Team?
A: “I joined boxing in my first-year which was last year around March.”
Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?
A: “I was actually inspired by my tutor in my matric year during a random conversation in one of our study sessions when she told me about how she got involved in the world of boxing and coincidently I got to varsity and found myself in the same situation as hers. I learned that I was going to get an opportunity to travel to Cape Town, that was a bonus for me hence I’ve always wanted to visit the city.”
Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what it entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “Well in boxing, you play as an individual.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: “I’ve always taken a liking for basketball, more especially because of the movie, Love and Basketball. I thought of this sport to be very cool and boyish. Now that is me, always wanting to do what boys can and what girls cant.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “The biggest tournament I’ve participated in is the South African National Boxing Organisation, SANABO, where I found myself lucky enough to be a part of it unintentionally. There was a great amount of experience gained and lessons learnt from it. Fortunately, I walked away as a bronze medallist and hoping to do better next year.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sports?
A: “As we all know, not all students will make it out there from their qualifications so encouraging students to join any sport code they are good may help them greatly. DUT literally has a future Castor Semenya and Siya Kolisi.”
Q: Who is your sport role model and why?
A: “I’ve never really had a role model, everyone liked Mike Tyson so I guess I also liked him but then that was up until the 2024 Paris Olympics. Chang Yuan, the 54kg female 2024 Olympic boxing champion. I was completely astonished by her performance and boxing technique. Many say in order to be great your role model must be a male but mine is 27-year-old Chinese female boxer who became the first woman to win an Olympic gold for China.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles do you associate with and why?
A: “The ENVISION2030 living value I associate myself with has to be accountability. This teaches everyone in sport that in order for you to be the best of the best, it’s your job to put in the work. Everything lies on you and whatever you are doing, you are doing for yourself. This value is important in boxing as you enter the ring alone; you have no one to rely on, meaning you have to take accountability for your performance.”
Q: Do you see a future in boxing?
A: “Honestly at first, I really never saw myself ever playing this sport but now being exposed to it more and having supporting coaches and family, it has made me realise that this is my talent, many find theirs at a young age but I found mine at 19. I take talent as a gift from God, and a gift needs to be opened and used. I’m still not sure if I’ll ever make a career out of boxing but for now, I’m learning and enjoying.”
Q: As a DUT sport star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “Where I come from, soccer dominates every other sport code. People aren’t fully exposed to boxing. Now being a female and a boxer, it has sparked a boxing interest in my community and we are hopeful that a boxing gym will be opened by one of the community members to introduce boxing to young individuals.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “Boxing teaches you about discipline, both physically and mentally. Meaning; going all day with only eating one meal, sacrificing your personal time and social life, and having to show up at the gym daily. It has taught me self-control, knowing what is good for you and what isn’t. it has made me more focused on myself and progress.”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sport?
A: “I think the target market should be learners in high school, letting them know that varsity isn’t only about books but there’s also sport. Not only will this attract learners but will also motivate them to do really well in order to get into varsity and pursue their preferred sport code.”
