In this segment of our light-hearted, get-to-know-each-other feature, eish! speaks to Prof Dumi Moyo, newly appointed executive dean for the Faculty of Humanities.

 

This is the most challenging and exciting role of his career so far, Dumi says, and he looks forward to leading a well-integrated and highly visible faculty that is responsive to today’s teaching and research challenges.

 

In this article, Dumi tells us a little about himself and his background.

 

Where did you grow up?

I grew up on a farm in Zimbabwe, and I always think that’s what gave me the calm temperament I have. I had plenty of thinking space, and followed the natural pace of things.

 

What career did you want to pursue as a child?

I was torn between electrical and chemical engineering. Making and discovering new things always excited me.

 

Where and when did you obtain your qualifications?

I did most of my early education in Zimbabwe. My first degree was an honours in English literature. I was fortunate to get a scholarship to do both my master’s and doctorate in media and communication studies at the University of Oslo in Norway.

 

How did you end up in the higher education sector?

A series of accidents, I suppose. But discovering and sharing knowledge, engaging with students and the sense that I’m making a difference in their lives always excites me.

 

My high school teachers insisted that I take humanities subjects instead of the sciences that I was passionate about then – I guess it was for their own reasons. Interestingly, I thoroughly enjoyed humanities subjects and excelled in them. The rest is history, as they say.

 

What is your favourite sports and sports team?

My first love was tennis, and I played competitive tennis until university. I try following international soccer but keep falling behind somehow. I want to believe I support Manchester City.

 

What is your favourite travel destination and why?

Senegal, without a doubt. Dakar is amazing, from the historical slave ship departure point at Goree Island to the buzzing art and culture, beautiful beaches and warmth of its people.

 

I was greatly inspired by Sembene Ousmane’s novels and films, which offer a beautiful window into Senegal.

 

What do you do in your spare time?

Exercise. I’m big on walking and gym. I’m obsessed with knowing how many steps I walk each day. Then of course there is reading. One never gets enough time for it.

 

What is your favourite South African dish?

It’s a tight contest between mogodu and potjiekos. But then, I recently discovered that malva pudding is a distinctly South African invention. It’s always been my favourite dessert.

 

What is your fondest childhood memory?

Growing up I was very curious, like most children. I remember the guy who came to install electricity on our farm back in the day. I was so fascinated by the magic that he created through those wires, and I literally became his shadow. After he left, I became the de facto farm electrician.