The University of KwaZulu-Natal recently hosted an Induction breakfast for new staff members of the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES).
The induction breakfast provided an opportunity for all new CAES members to be acquainted with the academic and management structures of the University while also serving as a platform for them to get to know and mingle with each other.
After receiving a warm welcome from acting CAES Public Relations Manager, Mrs Leena Rajpal, staff members were given insightful presentations on the various College divisions which included Student Support Services (Mrs Shelley Barnsley), Human Resources (Mrs Cynthia Bhebhe) and Academic Services (Mrs Tracy Govender).
CAES Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Albert Modi, gave a presentation explaining the different structures of both the Schools and the Colleges. He also went on to discuss the importance of cross-college ideas where different Schools interact with each other.
‘This is a rare and possibly the best opportunity for the College to meet its new staff and share its direction. I think the fact that we showcase what we do as a College is very important. I’m hoping that the new staff are going to learn something new and enjoy their journey at UKZN,’ said Modi.
Mr Nikhil Govind, a UKZN alumnus who is now a Financial Manager at Old Mutual UKZN, gave an educational presentation on being financially savvy. ‘I really enjoyed Professor Modi’s presentation as it took me back to my days as a student at the Law and Management Studies College. As Old Mutual, we wanted to emphasise to the new staff the importance of being financially prepared and provide them with financial wellness advice so as to ensure that their future is well-catered for. We wish the new staff all the best in their new journey,’ said Govind.
Director of Professional Services, Mr Mark Tufts, thanked both the external and internal stakeholders who made the event a success.
‘A special thank you goes to Old Mutual for their educational and insightful presentation and advice. We thank Prof Modi for availing himself and giving the new staff members an in-depth introduction to the College. We also would like to thank the PR team for co-ordinating this lovely event as it would not have been possible without them. Finally, I thank the new staff for attending this breakfast and I wish them the best in their new chapter,’ he said.
Newly appointed secretary to the DVC, Ms Nokukhanya Shinga, found the event to be insightful and fruitful.
‘The event was very insightful and a good opportunity for us to get to know the University and mingle with other new staff,’ said Shinga.
Mr Bonginkosi Blose, the newly appointed Technical Assistant at the School of Chemistry and Physics, enjoyed the speaker’s presentations and introduction to the University.
‘The event was well organised and welcoming to new staff members in the College. I found the advice from Old Mutual very helpful,’ said Blose.
As the breakfast drew to a close, a lucky draw sponsored by Old Mutual was done. The winner was announced to be Mrs Tracy Govender, Academic Services Manager at the College.
‘This was an amazing surprise as I didn’t think I would win. The event was lovely and I enjoyed meeting our new staff members,’ said a joyful Govender.
Words: Zolile Duma
Photograph: Bheki Mthembu
