The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has launched the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, which was built on five core values: transparency, honesty, integrity, respect and accountability. These values are further supported by the principles of fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion and excellence. Recently, Sinamile Sithole from the DUT Communications team engaged in a conversation with Dr Tigere Muringa, Journalism Senior Lecturer from the Faculty of Arts and Design, to explore the significance of the Living Values Framework and ENVISION2030.
Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?
A: “As a Research Fellow and Senior Lecturer in Journalism in DUT’s Faculty of Arts and Design, I focus on advancing media studies through teaching, research, and supervision. Additionally, my role extends beyond academia; I am a dedicated entrepreneur, having founded M&G Research Pty Ltd, a leading research consultancy in Durban. Through this consultancy, I bridge academic knowledge with practical, impactful solutions in research.”
Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?
A: “I have been part of DUT since September 2021, enriching the Department of Media, Language, and Communication with a unique entrepreneurial perspective and expertise in media and communication research.”
Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?
A: “I deeply resonate with innovation, as it aligns with my entrepreneurial journey. My passion lies in developing cutting-edge solutions, like the student newspaper and the M&G Research consultancy, which continuously push boundaries to impact the academic and research landscapes innovatively.”
Q: What are your views on the new DUT tagline: Creative, Distinctive, Impactful?
A: “The tagline truly speaks to the spirit of DUT. It embodies the boldness and forward-thinking I strive to emulate, both in my teaching and entrepreneurial ventures. This tagline aligns perfectly with the vision I have for my work innovative, unique, and designed to create real-world impact.”
Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework?
A: “I plan to stay actively engaged by incorporating the Living Values Framework into my teaching and consultancy work. For instance, as I develop a new research app with my partners one designed to streamline both qualitative and quantitative research processes I’m applying these values to offer a transformative tool that will benefit students and researchers alike.”
Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?
A: “Many may not know that I am an shrewd entrepreneur who is deeply invested in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the research process. My partners and I are currently developing a research app that integrates all stages of research onto one platform, a tool we believe will be a game-changer for researchers globally.”
Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT?
A: “The framework offers DUT a powerful roadmap for building a forward-thinking, innovative, and inclusive environment. With this as a foundation, DUT can lead in producing graduates equipped to make a meaningful impact in their fields, much like what I aim to achieve through my research consultancy and upcoming app.”
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: “When not immersed in research and entrepreneurship, I enjoy spending quality time with my beautiful wife and two sons. We live on the outskirts of the city, where the tranquillity allows us to enjoy each other’s company, away from the fast pace of urban life.”
Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT?
A: “My goal is to make a meaningful impact through mentorship, entrepreneurial initiatives, and research innovation. By fostering skills that merge academic excellence with practical, real-world solutions, I hope to inspire the next generation of ethical, creative, and impactful media professionals.”
Q: What is your daily motivation?
A: “My motivation comes from knowing that my work not only shapes future media professionals but also contributes to the broader field of research and innovation. Developing the new research app with my partners fuels my drive to make research accessible, efficient, and impactful.”
Q: What are your future goals at DUT?
A: My future goals include launching advanced media literacy programs, expanding research output, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations. Additionally, my ongoing project of developing an integrated research app aims to streamline research processes and provide DUT students with a state-of-the-art tool.
Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?
A: My wish would be to see an equitable media and research landscape in South Africa, one where diverse voices are amplified, and cutting-edge tools like our upcoming research app are accessible to all, driving both academic and practical progress.
