UKZN Welcomes New Employees on Board

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The Human Resource Division hosted a two-day On-Boarding session for new UKZN employees to acquaint them with the policies and procedures of the University.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning: Professor Sandile Songca, welcomed employees and encouraged them to find their space in UKZN’s transformation and to make a contribution towards excellence at the Institution. ‘You’ve joined a university that is changing and moving forward. So those that are coming in need to find that change and see how they can make a contribution towards the University’s transformation,’ Songca said.

He highlighted the Institution’s focus on students, “as the core of the business”, and its aim to produce students who contribute towards society and enhance the culture, economics and viability of the nation, while creating a sustainable livelihood for themselves.

Songca further urged employees to live the REACH? values of Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Client Orientation, Honesty, and Trust.

Director: Human Resource Development, Mrs Busisiwe Ramabodu called on employees to understand HR by understanding the College model used at the University. Ramabodu explained how the model had four College HR teams and one Professional Services team, including three central directorates - Rewards Services, Human Resource Development and Employee Relations.

Ramabodu also urged employees to familiarise themselves with College HR teams. ‘Because with any issues that you have related to performance management, leave or medical aid, your College HR teams will be your first point of call.’

Director: Teaching and Learning, Dr Tilly Moodley outlined the University’s teaching policies and portfolio which are in line with the Quality Promotion and Assurance (QPA) unit.

Research Office Manager, Mr Wilondja Job Muzumbukilwa emphasised the management of research funds, research ethics and productivity, while Director: Legal Services, Advocate Paul Finden went over the University’s organisational structures and asked employees to make use of the Innerweb to access details on the Institution’s policies.

Ms Nyikiwa Mavunda of Human Resource Development assessed UKZN’s gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual harassment policies and the procedures for speaking out and reporting GBV that can be accessed on the HR website. She emphasised the University’s commitment to providing safe environments for all, free from any form of discrimination or harassment.

In line with UKZN’s Strategic Plan 2017-202, Ms Dirontsho Kokong, also of Human Resource Development, listed the core functions of her Department as: Integrated Talent Management Processes, Organisational Development, and Transformation and Employment Equity.

Other workshop topics included Corporate Relations, HR Rewards Services, Legal Services and the UKZN Medical Aid Scheme.

Words: Hlengiwe Precious Khwela

Photograph: Andile Ndlovu