‘All Aboard’ Workshop for New UKZN Staff Members

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Human Resources Development unit recently hosted an “onboarding workshop” for some of the employees who have just joined the University.

The two-day session, designed to assist the staff members get on board for success in their new roles, featured presentations from the Employee Relations Division, Rewards Services, Information and Communication Services (ICS), the UKZN Medical Aid Scheme and Retirement Fund, and Legal Services.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nana Poku, remarked on the proud history of UKZN as an Institution that has helped produce over 45% of the political captains of industry and commerce in post-apartheid South Africa – a level of impact no other institution in the country could claim.

Poku commented on Project Renewal and how now was the right time to get on board as everything at the University was changing and evolving for the better.

“We serve a purpose. That singular purpose is to ensure that every student who comes through our doors is given every opportunity possible to succeed in a very, very difficult world ‒ a world where the skills we teach them are going to be fundamental to their ability to change their communities for the better.”

He reflected on how transformation was evident in the manner the education system provided enabled students to go out and create jobs in order to sustain their families and communities. “That requires purpose of mission and that’s the value of a university. We don’t teach to give people certificates. We provide them with the skills to go out and actually get their families out of the dispensations of historical disadvantages.”

Said Poku: “We have an obligation, that wherever we sit in this great University, we need to be professional and apply the ethics and expectations required of our role, to be performed at the very highest level of our capabilities.”

Executive Director Human Resources (HR), Mr Paul Finden, highlighted the division’s commitment to moving HR from an administrative role into a strategic business partner geared at being a proactive player in decision making and culture shaping.

Finden said key initiatives HR would be involved in aligned with the institution’s strategic plan and included: digital transformation with investment in technological infrastructure to support online learning and administration; infrastructure development – the upgrading of facilities to support cutting edge research and teaching; human capital development – the attraction and retention of talented staff and continuous professional development opportunities; financial sustainability – diversifying income streams through partnerships, alumni engagement and commercial ventures; and the alignment of the Institution with the goals of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 and African Union (AU) Agenda 2063.

Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Anil Chuturgoon, said research was the heartbeat of UKZN, as one of the most research-intensive institutions on the continent.

Highlighting the various research and grant funding available, Chuturgoon explained the various research ratings and reflected on the repositioning of the office for strategic impact which involved providing research support, innovation and entrepreneurship, and internationalisation.

The Interim Co-Director of the University Teaching and Learning Office (UTLO) Professor Fayth Ruffin highlighted the various projects the office has engaged in to develop excellence in teaching and learning. These include: the Siyaphumelela Project, the annual Innovations in the Science of Teaching and Learning Conference, Instructional Design Symposium, and the Distinguished Teachers Awards.

Ruffin noted how the teaching and learning division encompassed the University Language Planning and Development Office (ULPDO) led by the Director, Mr Khumbulani Mngadi and the Quality Promotion and Assurance (QPA) Office led by Director, Dr Tilly Moodley – to ensure that staff members are supported and that every student matters.

Director of University Relations Ms Xoliswa Zulu said the Corporate Relations Division (CRD) was a custodian of the University’s brand, reputation and institutional communication.

Zulu shared the divisions mandate in leading strategic, coordinated, and brand-aligned functions across UKZN in the form of brand reputation and image management; marketing, communications, and public relations; student recruitment and marketing; events protocol; publications, digital presence, and media partnerships; international relations and stakeholder relations; as well as fundraising and donor relations.

Ms Slindile Ninela of LYRA Wellbeing noted how as an employee wellness programme that works from a solution-focused model, it was dedicated to offering multilingual, confidential support services, that are available 24/7/365 through their personal support line, for employees and their immediate family.

To get in touch with LYRA contact their toll-free number on 0800 254 255; dial *134*905# to request a call back, download the LYRA Wellbeing App using the code UKZ00, or email callback@icas.co.za

Interim Human Resources Development, Director Dr Manoshni Perumal, spoke about performance cycles, talent management, the University’s gender-based violence procedures and guidelines, and ethics management.

In her closing remarks, Perumal said: “We hope you leave here feeling supported, informed, and excited for the journey ahead. As you settle in, ask questions, seek guidance, and connect with your colleagues. You are now part of a vibrant community that values collaboration, diversity, and growth. We’re delighted to have you with us. Welcome to the UKZN family!’’

Words: Hlengiwe Khwela

Photograph: Albert Hirasen