The Human Capital Services (HCS) unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently held a three-day team-building and strategic planning session at Pumula Hotel on the South Coast, focusing on strengthening collaboration, reinforcing institutional values and aligning operational plans with the university’s priorities.
The first day featured team-building activities facilitated by ZuriXtrain. Colleagues were randomly divided into teams and participated in activities designed to encourage collaboration, open engagement and stronger working relationships.
As part of the icebreakers, participants shared interesting facts about themselves, creating an opportunity to connect beyond their day-to-day responsibilities and get to know one another better.
Mr Victor Mothobi, Senior Director: HCS, opened the session by outlining its purpose and linking it to the strategic planning engagement held in 2025. He acknowledged the contributions of HCS colleagues, noting that their work was increasingly being recognised by the institution and relevant governance structures. He also highlighted the links between HCS’s work, the Executive Academic Performance Plan (EAPP), the Divisional Operational Plan (DOP) and the Human Capital Services Operational Plan (HCSOP).
The second and third days were facilitated by Ms Helen Mogorosi, Director: Organisational Development and Talent Management. The sessions focused on the DUT Living Values Framework (LVF), providing colleagues with an opportunity to share their understanding of the values and explore how these could be reflected in their daily responsibilities.
The discussions connected the Living Values Framework to HCS’s operational context, with particular emphasis on transparency. Mr Mothobi encouraged colleagues to demonstrate this value by providing relevant information and timely feedback, explaining HCS processes and decision-making criteria, and communicating delays alongside realistic next steps.
Colleagues from the various HCS ambits also worked in groups to align their operational plans with the People and Operations Division’s plan for 2027. Building on the 2026 operational plan, which prioritised operational excellence in areas that influence organisational performance and employee trust, each ambit presented its plans for achieving the expected performance measures.
In his closing remarks, Mr Mothobi outlined the way forward for HCS based on the outcomes of the three-day engagement. He commended the interns for expressing their views and providing feedback on the workshop, and thanked all colleagues for making themselves available and contributing meaningfully throughout the session.
Pictured: Human Capital Services (HCS) unit staff members at three-day team-building and strategic planning session.
Nikiwe Sukazi
