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 Philiswa Charity Dlamini , Administration Officer at the Centre for Continuing and Professional Education (CCPE), also known as the Short Course Unit, to delve deeper into the Living Values Framework and ENVISION2030.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “I am the Administration Officer at the Centre for Continuing and Professional Education (CCPE), also known as the Short Course Unit. My responsibilities include serving as the secretariat of the CCPE Board of Studies, a committee that reviews short course applications and facilitates the approval of short courses for the university. I am also responsible for managing the coding and adding of the approved short courses to the DUT system. Furthermore, I handle short course accounts, bookings, registrations, and certification. One of my exciting tasks currently, is updating the CCPE website and related marketing materials for short courses to automate and improve the above process.”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I joined DUT as a staff member in February 2016. Previously, I was a student from 2006 to 2011, completing my Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) Diploma and BTech. Additionally, I graduated with my Masters of Health Science (MHSc) in Dental Technology (Cum Laude) in 2017.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “I strongly identify with the DUT ENVISION2030 value of honesty as it aligns with my values. I believe in living and working with honesty as I consider it the foundation that connects and upholds all other Living Values. Among the DUT principles, I resonate the most with professionalism. I regularly interact with colleagues from different departments, units and external stakeholders, and I aim to consistently maintain a high level of professionalism to ensure successful and progressive working relationships.”
Q: What are your views on the DUT tagline: Creative, Distinctive, Impactful?
A: “I believe that it aligns with the ENVISION2030 strategy. When we consider the various initiatives happening at the university, it’s clear that DUT is making significant strides in creatively contributing to its community and stakeholders and creating a positive impact.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “I will ensure that I stay updated and engaged with all communications, workshops, and the culture that the university aims to promote in support of ENVISION2030 and the Living Values Framework. In my approach to work, I now strive to expand my operations so that they align with ENVISION2030. Also, in the way I engage with my work and stakeholders, I always aim to keep the Living Values in mind.
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “I love privacy, quiet time, and keeping a low profile. My peace (inner and external) is everything.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “I believe that the university aims to establish a specific culture. Every organisation has its own culture, and it’s important to regularly assess and enhance the culture when needed. The ultimate goal for any organisation is to have a culture that promotes excellence by ensuring that all efforts and actions are focused on achieving that. With ENVISION2030 and the Living Values, I believe that DUT is making good progress toward a culture of excellence.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “I am passionate about youth development. I used to run a non-profit organisation, but it did not survive the COVID-19 period. This year, I have returned to helping grade 12 learners with online university applications. I also spend a lot of time at church or doing church-related activities.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: The list is quite long, but furthering my education is at the top. This will help improve my intellectual capacity and enhance my performance in my current and future role at DUT. Next on the list is making a difference to as many people as possible, especially young people. In addition to my work with non-profit organisations, I have also served as a residence advisor for seven years. Now, I am exploring ways to partner with DUT to extend university resources to reach young people in underprivileged communities in a more creative and impactful way. This year, I have been volunteering at the DUT Community Engagement Office, to gain perspective on the scope of possible future partnerships.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “I believe in being the change that I want to see in the world, as Mahatma Gandhi once said. I think we are meant to use our abilities and who we are to make the world a better place. This can mean anything from helping one person to sharing our time and knowledge with others and even creating programmes and projects to address important issues in our communities, workplaces, and professions.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: “With an MHSc and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, my career path is headed towards academia and senior management. After all, I am that DUT Timber which is grown through the Hlomisa Skills Academy.”
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: “It would be the settlement of the SMALL fee balance at Stellenbosch so that I can get my MBA certificate.”
