A soft launch of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Living Values Framework is set to virtually take place, next week Wednesday, 26 April 2023 on Microsoft Teams from 12h00 to 14h00. The soft launch will be hosted by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations, Dr Vuyo Mthethwa.

The event is driven by the Living Values Framework Project team that consists of role players from various units within DUT. The project team has members from ambits such as Human Capital Services, Corporate Affairs, Finance, Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations, Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Dean of Students and other units and ISP.

The LV Framework soft launch forms part of the Bring-To-Life Campaign (BTL), which is aimed at driving behavioural change amongst students and staff of the University. Behavioural change requires deliberate and consistent execution of a structured employees and students mass mobilisation. The BTL Campaign consists of a number of actionable activations, that will be rolled out over a period of time. The launch is a milestone in BTL campaign.

All ambits are encouraged to start their own Living Values initiatives that they can run throughout the year and beyond. These activations will be showcased at the bigger LV Framework launch event that will take place in July this year. The purpose of the launch is to increase awareness and acceptance of the LV Framework by the entire DUT community, following the approval and adoption of the Framework by university management in 2022.

Mr Avhatakali Nenungwi, Director: Organisational Development and Talent Management at the DUT Human Capital Services gave some insights on what they are trying to achieve with the launch of the Living Values and Principles Framework.

“The soft launch is a precursor to a bigger launch in July 2023. We are aware that there is excitement and commitment around the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework across DUT as such we would like to rally the DUT community around this important initiative, through the soft launch as a build up to the bigger launch in July this year,” explained Mr Nenungwi.

In addition, Mr Nenungwi said the current Living Values Framework competition that is currently in progress is going very well. He added that they have received an overwhelming number of entries from both staff and students. This competition forms part of the BTL campaign and it will continue for the rest of the year.

At the launch, the DUT Executive Management is expected to reveal the Living Values Framework and the keynote speaker will be Prof Caroline Parker, Assistant Vice-Principal, Values at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU).

Pictured: Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations, Dr Vuyo Mthethwa.

Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.

Lethukuthula Ngubane