The Faculty of Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology observed Secretaries’ Day at the Coastlands Musgrave Hotel, on Friday 01 September 2017.

Secretaries’ Day is observed annually but not as a public holiday, just through celebrations in September. In 2017 Secretaries’ Day was on Wednesday, 6 September 2017. This day is dedicated to secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists and administrative support staff.

Addressing the Faculty of Health Sciences’ administrative staff, the newly appointed executive dean, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, said she saw a need for this celebration not only to commemorate secretaries but use the day as a platform to reflect on their contribution to the faculty and also as an engagement session.

“I came here to celebrate the contribution and work each one of you has invested in the faculty. However, while we are celebrating let us reflect on the role we each play within our departments and the faculty. I believe in an open door policy, creating opportunities and engaging with everyone regardless of their position, just like how I will also be meeting with the faculty’s management team as well,” said Prof Sibiya.

She also encouraged her faculty’s administrative staff to unite and not form camps within departments or the faculty. “You must always remain neutral, be very careful of corridor gossip. Look after each other, your faculty, departments, head of departments. We can learn a lot from each other. We are reliant on each other to see growth and prosperity in the faculty,” she added.

The staff received gifts with messages of appreciation and love. They were each given certificates for their various contributions within the faculty.

Pictured: Professor Nokuthula Sibiya celebrates the Secretaries’ Day.

-Noxolo Memela