“Stay positive, stay focused and keep moving forward.” This is one of the inspiring quotes that formed part of the ‘Meet and Greet’ Staff function that was held by the Faculty of Health Sciences (FOHS) at the FOHS boardroom, last Friday.

The staff function hosted by the Executive Dean Professor Nokuthula Sibiya and the FOHS, consisted of 40 technical staff which included service department personnel from DUT’s Durban and Pietermaritzburg campuses.

Chairing the event was Anusha Karamchand from FOHS, who said the event was specially held for Prof Sibiya, who firstly never got the chance to meet all staff and to also show her appreciation to each and every staff member, who form part of the faculty.

Prof Sibiya welcomed staff, who were all excited to receive good bags as well. She addressed the staff as well as gave them (staff) an overview of her plans for the faculty.

She added that she had thought long and hard of her goals and one of her short term goals was to have happy staff and to get to know the staff that were in various departments in the faculty.

“I felt it is imperative to meet with the technical staff as it formed part of my ‘Meet and Greet’ plan. The success of the faculty does not only rest on my shoulders. I rely on my team to function,” she said.

Prof Sibiya also said that when it came to teaching and learning the FOHS was the leading faculty. “We (staff) need to keep shining and to join hands. Let’s trust each other and work together as a team,” she said.

She did add that at times she is bound to make mistakes, she also stressed that she has an open door policy. “Know that each and every staff member are valued and close to my heart,”’ she said.

Prof Sibiya also indicated that her faculty was in the process of forming a student forum as students were also very close to her heart. She ended her speech with saying: “I am all yours, use me.”

The event also had lucky draws and a scrumptious lunch was served to the delighted staff members. She wishes all her staff all the best and encouraged healthy talks amongst all faculty staff, going forward.

Pictured: The FOHS staff at the ‘Meet and Greet’ event.

Waheeda Peters