New Staff Members Get Welcomed On Board

The Human Resources Division hosted an “on-boarding” workshop to welcome new employees of UKZN and help them get orientated.

In his welcome address, Executive Director: Human Resources, Advocate Paul Finden, spoke on UKZN’s vision and mission as well as its REACHT values.

Finden highlighted the University’s 2023-2032 Strategic Plan and its five goals of: excellent teaching and learning; student experience; high impact research, innovation and entrepreneurship; high impact societal and stakeholder community engagement and targeted internationalisation.

He introduced Human Resources as a Strategic Business Partner (HRSBP) which has the aim of ‘moving beyond administrative tasks to drive strategy and performance, becoming a proactive player in decision making and culture shaping, and aligning with the role of achieving the Institution’s goals.’

He mentioned how the HRSBP would support the University’s Strategic Goals through talent acquisition and retention in line with academic excellence, staff management and wellness to support student success; Human Resource policies to develop research excellence; programmes in equity, diversity and inclusion to aid in transformation, and strategic workforce planning to achieve financial sustainability.

Emphasising the importance of Project Renewal, Finden said: ‘The restructuring process was developed in alignment with UKZN’s drivers of the Strategic Plan, financial sustainability, and gaining a competitive edge and international standing.’

Dean of Research Professor Neil Koorbanally highlighted the importance of research at UKZN being a research-led and research-intensive Institution. He explored the various levels of research, management of research funds, research ethics, productivity and research policies.

Koorbanally emphasised the importance of internationalisation as part of UKZN’s Strategic Plan. Examining the Erasmus+ Programme he implored staff to apply for international opportunities as a means of collaboration and bringing back best practices.

Director of Communications for the Corporate Relations Division Mr Bhekani Dlamini reviewed the services the Division offers which include events management and protocol, graphic design, media relations and social media, marketing and student recruitment, photography, publications, video production, web management and internalisation. UKZN Foundation assists in generating third stream income for the University.

He discussed the three key focus areas for this year, namely updating and aligning digital and print communication materials in line with Project Renewal, promoting and supporting the Sports Administration and the various sporting codes available and expanding UKZN’s reach far beyond the province through marketing and targeted student recruitment.

Dlamini said UKZN’s Corporate Identity Manual provided strategic guidance on using the University logo, while a policy for social media, media and communications conduct worked as a framework, and a standard operating procedure to social media and media relations provided a guide.

He implored staff to follow and engage with UKZN on all social media platforms including WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. He advised staff to be responsible when engaging on social media.

Closing off the event, Human Resources Development: Director, Dr Manoshni Perumal, provided an overview of the University’s Performance and Talent Management procedures and policies. Perumal highlighted the Institution’s commitment to providing a working, living and learning environment free from violence of any kind, and mentioned the Institution’s Gender-Based Violence Policy and reporting offices available on all campuses.

‘I hope you enjoyed this session, found it value adding, enriching and empowering,’ Perumal added.

‘Don’t be afraid to reach out to any of your HR representatives should you require any assistance. Thank you for joining the UKZN family, and I wish you all of the best and a long stay at the University.’

Other workshop topics included Employee Relations, HR Rewards Services, Legal Services, Teaching and Learning, Information and Communication Services, and the UKZN Medical Aid Scheme.

Words: Hlengiwe Khwela

Photograph: Albert Hirasen