UKZN Welcomes Potential Academics

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UKZN’s Human Resources Division (HR) recently welcomed a group of high achieving, potential future academics during a congratulatory lunch held at the Durban Country Club.

The lunch was organised by the Human Resources Graduate Development Programme’s team together with HR Managers and Deans from each of the four Colleges.

It was the second cohort of top candidates earmarked for academic careers at UKZN.

Ten of the students are on UKZN SETA Bursary Awards while 12 are on a Talent Excellence and Equity Acceleration (TEAEA) Scholarship.

The Programme enables the University to grow the next generation of academics by identifying potential talent in the final years of undergraduate study and at postgraduate levels.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Albert van Jaarsveld, said it was not an easy road as students were now competing with lecturers globally. He said their ability would be driven by how hard they were prepared to work and compete at that level.

He advised the students to seek mentorship and keep close to the mentors as that was the key to success, confidence and growth.

‘Start publishing and grow your CV, not only in the number of papers but the quality,’ said van Jaarsveld.

Executive Director: Human Resources, Ms Avril Williamson, told the students they were the future of academia. She said HR would be there to engage and support each and every one of them.

Microbiologist and Dean of Teaching and Learning in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Professor Bala Pillay, congratulated the students, reminding them they were getting a good start to their careers.

However, he advised the young folk that their research needed to be relevant. ‘Let’s take it back to our people, and how the research assists the community. Study and make a contribution to the country,’ said Pillay.

HR Development’s Director, Ms Busisiwe Ramabodu, advised the students to live the five values of UKZN - respect, excellence, accountability, client orientation and honesty (REACH), as this would impact on the way they engaged with staff and students.

Sithembile Shabangu