On 14 December 2022, the Human Capital Services (HCS) Unit of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) organised the Human Capital Services (HCS) Workshop on ENVISION2030 Living Values at the Steve Biko Campus, HCS boardroom.
Mr Mxolisi Msomi, (Acting Senior Director HCS) could not attend the session due to work commitments, requested that Avhatakali Nenungwi, Director of Organizational Development and Talent Management to host the event. Mr Nenungwi made his introductory remarks and highlighted the DUT ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework and the significance of incorporating values into every aspect of our life.
Mr Nenungwi also spoke about the significance of the environmental sustainability initiative to the organisation, which was introduced during the event. He urged the attendees to fully engage in the values session activities and to share their experiences with the DUT community.
The Performance Management Specialist at HCS, Mrs Bronwen Naidoo, went into more detail about the goal of the environmental sustainability program and what was expected of the participants on the day. The plant that participants were planting in pots at the event was briefly described by Mr. Andile Mkhize, a Technician Assistant from the Horticulture department.
“The plant is a succulent named Portulacaria Afra, also referred to as Spekboom. The Spekboom tree can thrive in nearly any environment and was first discovered in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. This kind of tree can survive in dry locations for many weeks without a lot of water. It can be added to food and used for medicinal purposes. This type of tree is very special because it can be grown anywhere around the world,” said Mr Mkhize.
The HSC members were given the task of performing the practical exercise of planting the Spekboom tree . The HCS team painted the tree pots with lovely inscriptions around the living values framework, bringing a visual aspect to life, the “DUT way”. As this experience will hold a special place in their hearts, the members promised to nurture the plants, foster healthy minds, body and souls and to begin 2023 with a more positive and stronger mindsets. The HCS team shared heartfelt comments and with holiday greetings as they reflected on the achievements and challenges of 2022.
“I hope you will come back with new prospect and career wise. Despite all the challenges that each person had in the year 2022, with all our share of ups and downs whether it family, work, uncertainty of life, whatever it is we are at the end of the year. We should be grateful for one thing and that is life. Everything else we may lose in life but the most important thing is that we live as if there is no tomorrow,” Ms Bongekile Ngcobo.
“Hard work pays off, it never goes unnoticed. For as long as you do what is right. All the best for 2023,” said Piryadeshnee Naidoo.
“We are grateful for our jobs and grateful for our health and family. With God all things are possible,” said Thokozani Mbatha.
“Take time to unwind and relax, recuperate and be with your loved ones. Thank you for this event as it gave us a chance to meet as one family and wish each other in person. We have been through so much due to COVID and now we are able to be together as a team again,” said Samantha Rajcoomar.
Sakhile Mthembu shared a moving tribute with the team by re-iterating the importance of developing a culture of “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu, translated from isiZulu as ‘a person is a person through other people’.
Mr Nenungwi shared his closing remarks and well wishes and thanked everyone for attending the event.
Picture : HCS team.
Nomvelo Zulu
