Durban University of Technology (DUT) officially launched the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, comprising five core values: transparency, honesty, integrity, respect and accountability. These values are underpinned by the principles of fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion and excellence. DUT Communications team member, Vukani Langa recently engaged in a conversation with Sibongamandla Shezi, an intern under the Logistical Services, to delve into the living values framework and ENVISION2030.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT? 

A: “As an intern under the Logistical Services unit, my role in the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is quite diverse from what is generally anticipated from an intern. One of my roles is to develop and manage the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor control and improvements for student transportation services. I also monitor the DUT car tracker and manage receptions reports. Additionally, I have been given a role to handle vehicle maintenance and ensure road worthiness. Lastly, I am a residence advisor for the Ulwandle residence.”

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

A: ‘’I joined DUT as student in 2014 and I have been with the university ever since.”

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

A: “It is very difficult for me to select one, however, I mostly associate myself with Excellence. From the roles that I have been given, I always ensure that I bring along other interns with an aim to expose them to the magnitude of my responsibilities. The Logistical Services Acting Director (Mr Steven Mkhize) would agree with me that I am always proactive and as we speak, he sits with more than five proposals awaiting his approval for implementation. As an intern, I always work on weekends when required, and not only for the Logistical Services department but other departments such as Student Housing, Student Governance just to name the few.”

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

A: “My view is that it should not be just words on the document, but it should be our daily practice. Whatever that we do we should be mindful that we are impacting the DUT community and the society at large. In this altering world, we need creativity to change the status quo.”

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

A: “As the chairperson of weekly operational meetings in our department, I can assure you that the first item of the agenda is the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework. This is the way of ensuring that these Living Values and Principles forms part of our daily lives.”

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

A: “What most people do not know about me is that I sleep less than five hours in day.”

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

A: “Firstly, if all could practice these Values and Principles, we will understand that we are working for one DUT. Our systems would be integrated in such a way that a staff member from Logistical Services department is able to go and assist at Student Housing when required. By practicing these Living Values and Principles it would encourage collaboration within the institution which would make it easy to achieve the mission of the university.”

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

A: “There are two things that I can mention, I like to play golf, as well as the evening runs.”

Q: What is your daily motivation? 

 A: “My daily motivation comes from the quotes that I always get from the books I read.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT? 

A: “My goal is to be part of the leadership that will think differently, and create systems, policies that focuses on empowering its people, staff and students. It would be myopic of me not to mention Logistical Services in my goals. I want to see an efficient fleet services with electric vehicles in support of sustainability: green ecosystems, as stated on DUT ENVISION2030 strategy document.”

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

A: “I would extend human life by 100 years. This quote encapsulates my reasons: “What an old man sees sitting down, a young man cannot see standing up.”