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 Ntombentle Tshabalala, who is an UPSET administrator from the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT).
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I am an UPSET administrator. UPSET is a DUT special project which aims to play a leading role in the development of articulation from TVET colleges to Higher Education institutions. My primary role is to provide a high quality administration support to internal and external stakeholders. I am also expected to plan and organise workshops, conferences and facilitate all administrative related roles of the project.”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I have been at DUT for two years.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “Respect, for me respect is a must at the working environment, It encourages innovation, staff well-being and great performance. Professionalism is not about how you act only, it also involves how you react to challenging situations.”
Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative. Distinctive. Impactful?
A: “It is a very straight-forward objective of the institution that highlights the mission and culture of the institution.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “To keep up-to-date with the ENVISION2030 living values framework, I will keep on doing the right things and ensure that my actions and behaviour align with the DUT living values.”
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “I am an over-thinker.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “They are a stepping stones to greater goals the institution envisions, if we obey and live by the given values and principles every day, these values will benefits DUT by promoting a non-toxic environment for all stakeholders.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “I go to the gym, going to the gym helps me to test and improve my discipline and reduce stress.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “By maintaining a positive attitude and professionalism, being professional at work is non-negotiable, its involves treating everyone with respect and dignity regardless of personal differences.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “Keep showing up and show off.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “My future goal is to grow within the institution and became a permanent staff member.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: It would be to have unconditional peace.”
