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 Publications Officer Waheeda Peters, recently engaged in a conversation with Kyle Clifton Fitzgerald, a University Capacity Development Programmes Administrator for the Grant Management unit at the Centre of Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT), to delve deeper into the Living Values Framework and ENVISION2030.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?

 A: “I am one of the unsung heroes behind the scenes at DUT, working diligently to ensure that our University Capacity Development Programmes, funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), are managed effectively to ensure smooth and efficient operations.”

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

A: “I am proud to have been a dedicated member of the DUT family for 15 years, during which I have had the privilege of working across various departments and roles. For approximately 12 of those years, I lectured in finance, demonstrating my unwavering commitment to the growth and success of our esteemed institution in any aspect.”

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

A: “When reflecting on the ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, integrity stands out to me as the most impactful. This virtue is not only rare but crucial for leading a meaningful life. Having grown up valuing integrity, it is a personal virtue that I hold dear.”

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

 A: “The new DUT tagline, Creative, Distinctive, Impactful, is a resoundingly powerful statement that undoubtedly promises to shape the future of our institution in remarkable ways. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the implementation of these ideals in the years to come.”

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

A: “I intend to remain thoroughly engaged with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework by actively participating in workshops, information sharing sessions, and consistently striving to embody these values in my daily life. I aim to ensure their integration into my personal and professional endeavours by going the extra mile to uphold these principles.”

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

A: “Interestingly, a lesser-known fact about me is that I thoroughly enjoy cooking. While I particularly relish preparing breyani and soji on Sundays, I also exhibit talent across a myriad of other culinary creations. It might come as a surprise to many that despite my love for cooking, I am actually allergic to shellfish, an affliction that naturally restrains me from savouring any seafood.”

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

A: “Implementing the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework will align our institution with the current global landscape, thus ensuring our competitive edge among Southern Hemisphere tertiary institutions. DUT is poised to elevate its standing in the academic realm by embracing these values, setting a new standard for excellence and distinguishing itself among peers. Exciting times lie ahead for DUT, and I am eager to partake in this transformative journey.”

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

A: “During my leisure hours, I find solace and joy in delving into creative pursuits such as baking, singing, and dancing. Baking, in particular, transports me to a place of pure happiness, as I take pleasure in crafting delectable confections ranging from cakes, cupcakes to pastries and tarts. And then there is singing and dancing which serves as a means of escapism, providing me with a much-needed respite from the demands of daily life, allowing for introspection and moments of pure contentment.”

Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?

A: “My approach to making a positive impact at DUT revolves around wholeheartedly embracing and personifying the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework. By aligning my actions and decisions with the core values of integrity, excellence, ubuntu, social justice, and innovation, I aspire to contribute meaningfully to the institution’s overall success and advancement. Through active engagement in workshops, knowledge sharing, and fostering the growth of my colleagues, I seek to support the ethos of academic excellence at DUT, leveraging my research expertise to elevate the institution to new heights within the academic sphere.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?

 A: “I find daily inspiration in the mantra of ‘believe in yourself, never give up, and always walk your own path.’ Adopting a steadfast commitment to take things one day at a time, embracing self-compassion, and refraining from comparisons, I strive to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace. Above all, the value of kindness reigns supreme in my heart, as I firmly believe that compassion and empathy hold the power to transform lives and leave an indelible impact on individuals.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT?

A: “Looking ahead, my primary aspiration at DUT centres on returning to academia. I was in academia and lectured here for about 12 years, having obtained my Masters in 2022 and currently in the process of being published before embarking on my PhD journey. My ambition is to leverage my expertise and research acumen to contribute significantly to the academic excellence of DUT, focusing on publishing numerous articles and engaging in postdoctoral activities to propel the institution further towards academic excellence.”

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

 A: “If presented with a single wish, I would unequivocally opt to eradicate poverty and thus elevate underdeveloped nations. Embracing this wish would signify a transformative shift that could alleviate the suffering plaguing countless lives across the globe, representing a monumental step towards fostering a more equitable and prosperous world for all.”