The Deputy Vice Chancellor: People and Operations, Dr Matheakuena Mohale, recently welcomed 26 staff members who joined the People and Operations Division at the Durban University of Technology (DUT).
The welcome breakfast was hosted to ensure that new colleagues felt welcomed, valued and appreciated as they joined the division.
The gathering provided an opportunity for P&O staff to introduce themselves, share details about their respective roles and get to know one another. Dr Mohale was joined by the heads of the business units within the People and Operations Division, including Dr Kavita Beemsen of IMPE, Mr Victor Mothobi of HCS, Mr Charles Sehlogo of Protection Services, Dr Sikhuthali Nyangintsimbi of ERM and Ms Lalitha Chetty of Legal Services.
Dr Mohale opened the session with a warm and engaging conversation, creating a welcoming environment for all attendees. He expressed his appreciation for the team’s continued support, wished the new staff members every success in their roles and encouraged them to make DUT their home.
Mr Charles Sehlogo, Director: Protection Services, assured colleagues that safety at DUT remains a priority and that precautionary measures are in place to protect staff. He nevertheless encouraged everyone to remain vigilant both on and around campus. Mr Sehlogo also advised staff not to leave their offices unlocked, noting that one can never be certain who may be observing. He emphasised that perpetrators do not always reveal themselves and encouraged everyone to remain alert.
The event also created valuable networking opportunities for colleagues from different units. Two of the newly appointed staff members were invited to share their reflections.
Mr Mazibuko from ERM expressed his appreciation for the initiative, saying that he had never experienced such a warm welcome in his professional career.
Ms Sithole from HCS said initiatives such as these make staff feel both welcomed and appreciated. Having been at DUT for three months, and as a former student of Natal Technikon, she said she was pleased to be joining a transforming University. She noted that DUT has changed significantly since her student days, citing the University’s ongoing infrastructure projects as an example. She added that she looks forward to contributing to the University’s continued growth.
In closing, Dr Sikhuthali Nyangintsimbi, Chief Risk Officer at DUT, encouraged staff to share innovative ideas, noting that such initiatives could attract institutional support and funding.
“Explore and share those ideas. It has nothing to do with what the majority thinks about your proposal. It is about your commitment.”
The welcome breakfast reflected the People and Operations Division’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture. By creating opportunities for engagement, collaboration and knowledge sharing, the initiative reaffirmed the Division’s dedication to ensuring that new colleagues feel connected, supported and empowered as they begin their journey at DUT.
Pictured: People and Operations staff members at the welcome breakfast.
Submitted by: Nikiwe Sukazi
