PG Diploma a Gateway to a Brighter Future for Committee Officer

BY: .

Ms Siphiwe Vilakazi, Committee Officer from the College of Law and Management Studies has been  awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Management during one of UKZN’s Graduation ceremonies in April.

Vilakazi has always yearned to further her academic qualifications. ‘When I joined the University in 2008 I saw the opportunity of finally pursuing my dream of obtaining a qualification in Management and coincidently I happened to be in the College offering it,’ she said.  

Vilakazi is responsible for the provision of essential support services to the committees of the College. This portfolio comes with a great responsibility of managing the resources in her Unit, planning and documentation of meetings, and ensuring that the deliberations are actioned.

The completion of her studies has boosted her confidence and allowed her to provide an efficient service to the College. She said: ‘I now see a bigger picture of my role as Committee Officer.  I understand the direction of the College and recognise the impact of my job in the implementation of decisions.’

Vilakazi is currently studying towards a Masters in Management. She is grateful to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College Professor John Mubangizi and College staff for the continuous support and encouragement during her studies. 

She said: ‘I dedicate this Diploma to my parents Mr Mandla and Mrs Nomusa Vilakazi who have never ceased to support me although they have no formal education themselves – they think I am now the Manager!’

On juggling work, studies and family she said: ‘I had to keep both meetings’ diary and personal diary in a stricter manner to try and balance everything. It had not been easy, particularly for my six-year-old daughter who did not understand why I was never home to tuck-her in as my studies were during evenings and I was often on campus during weekends for group work and assignments.   But it was worth it.’

Mubangizi commended Vilakazi for her quest for academic excellence.

-          Hazel Langa