The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has adopted the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, centred around five core values: transparency, honesty, integrity, respect and accountability. These values are supported by the key principles of fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion, and excellence. DUT Communications and Marketing Officer from the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Silindile Buthelezi, recently engaged in a conversation with Professor Santhosh K Pillai, an Associate Professor in Biotechnology and the Honours Biotechnology Programme Coordinator in the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) to delve deeper into the Living Values Framework and ENVISION2030.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I am an Associate Professor in Biotechnology and the Honours Biotechnology Programme Coordinator in the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science.”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I have been at DUT for 21 years, five years as a PhD scholar and 16 years as a staff member.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “I believe in professionalism because it encompasses several of the other DUT living values, such as integrity, accountability, respect, and excellence. It reflects a commitment to ethical conduct, continuous improvement, and maintaining high standards in teaching, research, and all other activities at DUT. Professionalism ensures that all other values are upheld in practice, fostering a culture of trust, responsibility, and excellence within the academic and research environment.”
Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative. Distinctive. Impactful?
A: “It reflects a commitment to fostering innovation among students, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to nation-building. It also emphasizes the university’s unique identity, recognized both within South Africa and globally, while striving to make a long-lasting positive impact on society.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “Leading by example and inspiring students and colleagues to uphold key values.”
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “I’m driven by a passion for wildlife and the thrill of exploring new places.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “By embracing the ENVISION2030 Living Values, DUT will produce world-class graduates ready to excel in the real world, securing its place among top universities globally.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “Among my favourite pastimes are listening to music and spending time with my family.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “To serve as a catalyst and motivator in shaping the future of undergraduate and postgraduate students, empowering them to become tomorrow’s leaders.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “A relentless passion for excellence.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “To continue excelling in teaching and research while making a meaningful impact on student’s lives.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “In a world where talent and hard work should know no bounds, let us strive to create an environment where excellence is both nurtured and rewarded equitably.”
