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. S’bonelo Dlamini, DUT Communication’s team member, recently engaged with the DUT sailing star, Mthobisi Ndovela to share his student experience through sports and academics and how he lives the DUT Living Values.
Name: Mthobisi Ndovela
Place of birth: Port Shepstone
Sport code: Sailing
Qualification: Diploma in Nautical Studies
Q: When did you join the DUT sport team?
A: “I joined in the beginning of the year 2023.”
Q: What sparked your interest in this type of sport?
A: “Sailing is a water sport, so as a person who is working towards becoming a seafarer it was a good opportunity for me to improve my skills as well as exploring the life at sea.”
Q: In terms of the position you play, elaborate what is entails and how it benefits the team?
A: “I’m a trimmer. I understand all the points of sails and most importantly how to apply them on a boat as well as maintaining a good communication with the skipper so that the boat performs to its full potential. We have to be well coordinated as a whole team.”
Q: Which other sport codes are you interested in and why?
A: “Golf, because one needs to be accurate with every shot while counter acting the elements like the wind and rain.”
Q: What is the biggest tournament you have participated in?
A: “It was the MSC regatta, the races that takes place annually offshore Durban every July, and Tuzi Thekwini, the sailing race from Richards Bay to Durban.”
Q: Why is it vital for DUT to develop students in sport?
A: “Sport enhance physical health, mental well-being, social skills, and academic performance, while also teaching valuable life lessons like discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.”
Q: Who is your role model and why?
A: “It is whoever who has been to the sea because those individuals always have a story to tell.”
Q: Which ENVISION2030 living values and principles do you associate with and why?
A: “I resonate with all, transparency, honesty, integrity, respect, accountability, fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion and excellence.”
Q: Do you see a future in sailing?
A: “Yes, I do. I am passionate about sailing and feel it might open doors for me in the future.”
Q: As a DUT star, how does your role benefit your community?
A: “I would say it helps raising awareness to people that there is a sport out there called sailing which you can also take up as a profession.”
Q: What impact has sport made on your life?
A: “It taught me to be a good communicator, engage with different people and be a team player”
Q: Can you suggest some ideas to attract spectators to varsity sports?
A: “On orientation day there must be videos display of all the sport codes. For example for sailing there must be a video playing of people sailing that might raise an interest.”
