New Batch of UKZN Staff Members Inducted at Onboarding Workshop

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) hosted a two-day employee onboarding workshop to welcome a new cohort of staff members to the Institution.

Delivering an onboarding message on behalf of Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Nana Poku, the Executive Director for Human Resources, Advocate Paul Finden, underscored the importance of adapting to a changing Higher Education landscape and highlighted the need for institutional reform to ensure the Institution’s sustainability.

Finden outlined Project Renewal, the institutional framework that UKZN has adopted to implement the “reforms necessary to modernise the University” and also emphasised the Institution’s commitment to the transformation agenda.

Finden encouraged staff to familiarise themselves with the University’s Code of Conduct and said that “line managers must manage – we [HR] are there to support them.”

Finden, an alumnus who has been with the University for 35 years, wished the new recruits a “challenging, stimulating and rewarding” journey with the University.

Dr Manoshni Perumal, Director for Human Resources Development, welcomed staff to the University and said she was confident the new cohort would contribute to the shared vision of being the Premier University of African Scholarship.

Highlights from the workshop included an informative session by Ms Zama Zikalala from Lyra, UKZN’s Employee Wellness programme. All staff are encouraged to utilise the services ranging from telephonic and face-to-face counselling to legal advice and financial/debt management when needed. Staff members can download the Lyra app to access their services or call 0800 254 255 (App code UKZ001), alternatively, email callback@icas.co.za.

Sessions on the University’s corporate identity, presented by Corporate Relations’ Mr Bhekani Dlamini and Mr Lungelo Ngcobo; information on institutional governance by Registrar Mr Mark Tufts; and an overview of UKZN’s Medical Services by Ms Megan Collins were some of the highly informative talks included in the workshop.

Visit the staff intranet for more information or contact your Human Resources representative for further guidance.

Words: Raylene Captain-Hasthibeer

Photographs: Albert Hirasen