Page 36 - DUT CONNECT Summer 2024

Nishie Govender
Empathy, Education, and Excellence
Celebrating 24 Years of Milestones at DUT
Nishie Govender has loyally served DUT for 24 years! In this issue of DUT Connect, we celebrate the life and career of this dedicated professional whose journey has been shaped by compassion, personal growth, and a commitment to education.
As DUT celebrates its milestones, so does Nishie. Highlights of her career include obtaining her advanced degrees, her appointment as Manager of Fundraising and Alumni Relations in 2019, and 24 years of dedicated service. These achievements reflect not just personal ambition but a deep alignment with the DUT’s mission to empower and uplift.
Family Values
Born and raised in Port Shepstone, Nishie enjoyed a childhood filled with family vacations in the mountains and camping trips by the sea.As the eldest of four siblings, her upbringing was shaped by her parents’ unwavering encouragement to pursue education and independence. Nishie finds strength in strong family ties and shared beliefs. Despite the recent personal loss of the passing of her father, she draws strength from the close-knit family bonds and the values they share. These foundations have carried her through life’s challenges and successes, shaping her into a professional and empathetic individual.
Academic Journey
Nishie’s educational journey began at the University of Durban- Westville (now UKZN-Westville Campus), where she earned a BA and BA Honours. Nishie then went on to obtain a BTech (2007) and MTech (2015) in Public Relations Management from DUT. Reminiscing about her family and upbringing, Nishie said it would have been difficult not to be a good student since the majority of her family are teachers!
“Both my parents instilled in me the importance of a good education, so they encouraged me to work hard and pass my courses. They encouraged us to be free-thinking, independent individuals ... We were always encouraged to be self-reliant,” says Nishie.
Two Decades at DUT
Nishie was ecstatic to begin her career at DUT on 1 August 2000 with a permanent position at the thenTechnikon Natal.This was the start of many years of personal and professional growth. She credits her time at DUT for showing her diverse perspectives and enhancing her problem-solving abilities.
“Like the transitioning of the institution so too have I metamorphosed from a shy, nervous recruit to a reasonably confident individual. I have grown professionally and personally. I have learnt to adapt to different situations. Through professional events and interactions, I have been exposed to new ways of thinking, gained new insight and understanding of dealing with the different situations, as well as being
able to adapt to tackle challenges along the way,” says Nishie.
She describes the Advancement and Alumni Relations Unit (AARU) at DUT as more than a workplace — it is a family. Under the guidance of Director Zwakele Ngubane, the team thrives on mutual support and shared goals.This strong sense of community is central to her professional life, nurturing collaboration and a positive work environment. A career highlight for Nishie was being appointed Manager of Fundraising and Alumni Relations for the AARU in 2019.
Nishie lives by her golden rule: Do unto others as you would have done unto you.
“I was raised to treat everyone with kindness and respect. People may forgive how you treated them but they will never forget how you made them feel ... Be empathetic, show kindness and be fair”.
Tellingly, Nishie starts her work day by greeting each of her colleagues when she gets into the office. She urges alumni to build strong relationships with colleagues — they become a support structure in difficult times.
Nishie’s schedule involves fostering relationships with prospective donors for possible partnerships/collaborations, perusing the unit’s financial reports in terms of donations received, in particular funding for students, and dealing with matters related to Convocation. Each day is marked by her steadfast commitment to nurturing relationships and supporting students through fundraising initiatives.
To alumni navigating their career paths and with the goal of longevity within a workplace, Nishie offers sage advice:
“Stay focused on your goals.Always remain relevant by continuously upskilling yourself — learning for life. Be resilient and adapt to the changing work environment. Network, network, network! Be passionate and love what you do. Like the saying goes: Find a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life”.
Looking Ahead
As she continues her journey with DUT, she remains the epitome of dedication and community.This celebration of her milestones is also a celebration of DUT’s role in shaping futures and fostering connections — every step forward is a step worth celebrating. Nishie’s fulfilling career is a testament to the power of education, family values, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
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