In wrapping up Workers’ Month, the Communications and Marketing Unit in the College of Human Sciences decided to celebrate its administrative staff. Workers’ Month gives the working class an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the dedication and resilience of each employee in the organisation. Nnana Martina Jege sat down with Thandeka Magwenyana, Secretary in the Office for Research and Graduate Studies, who has been in the service of humanity for ten years.

Who is Thandeka Magwenyana?

Thandeka Magwenyana

I am a highly motivated, hard-working and driven young woman, born and bred in Durban, KZN. I am a confident soul who firmly believes that nothing is impossible with God. I love life, people and all things beautiful.

When did you start working at Unisa and what position were you holding at that time?

I started working for Unisa in 2014, as a Student Administrator (temporary) in the KZN Region.

How long does it take for you to get to work?

It takes between 25 to 35 minutes, depending on the traffic.

Over the years that you have worked at Unisa, how many managers have you had?

I have had five managers in total:

• 2014 to 2015: Ncendisa Nomsuka
• 2015 to 2016: Prof Vuyisile Msila
• 2017 to 2019: Prof Puleng Segalo
• 2020 to 2023: Prof Azwihangwisi Mavhandu-Mudzusi
• 2024 to the present: Prof Bosire Onyancha

What inspires you to wake up in the morning to render your services at Unisa?

Honestly, it is all about the opportunity to learn something new each day. Either from my line manager, colleagues, students, external guests, security and cleaners. Also, just the chance to improve my skills and development, which plays a huge role in my growth. And just meeting all my deadlines, targets or goals.

Young people usually move from one company to another. What made you stay at Unisa for this long?

Besides the obvious reason that it is really hard finding employment in our country, it is better to hold on to what you have until a greater opportunity arises. I feel that I have grown so much and will continue to grow at Unisa.

What makes a good secretary?

There are a few qualities and skills that I have developed since working as a secretary and they are as follows:

• Organisational skills: A strong ability to be organised, keep a clear head and keep track of everything from deadlines to essential files. 
• Professional communication skills: Clear and friendly communication, along with a personable phone manner. Think of yourself as a master communicator, engaging in conversations that create strong connections and build relationships. 
• Initiative and drive: The ability to take the initiative, work independently and seek out new opportunities.
• IT literacy: Knowledge of software such as Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Adobe programs and typing skills are required. Plus, knowing about other software that could help with the day-to-day work.
• Honesty and discretion/confidentiality: A secretary often handles expenses, budgets and other sensitive topics; pay attention to detail. It is important that employers can trust a secretary fully.
• Time-management skills: Working on several projects means a lot of multitasking. This requires the ability to manage your own time and ensure that you can deliver on timelines.
• Being a team player: You need to have a flair for championing a teamwork ethic and fostering teamwork within a team. 
• Remaining calm under pressure: An ability to cope with stress, deadlines and multitasking, often dealing with several stakeholders at once.
• Professionalism: A skill needed for dealing with internal and external stakeholders.
• Project management skills: Skilled at managing all the moving parts of any given project.
• Inter-personal skills: To effectively communicate, interact and work with individuals and groups/teams.

I always choose to always apply these above-mentioned skills and qualities with humility.

Over the years at Unisa, what challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?

I try to prevent challenges, but they are inevitable. I take any challenge as a learning experience that sharpens me to be greater.

I have faced so many challenges in the past years working at Unisa. The main one was when a senior colleague bullied me, and I decided to stand my ground and escalated it to top management. I realise that if I had kept quiet, this would have affected my productivity at work and my mental sanity. At times, you must break the silence, otherwise people will forever take advantage of you.

What do you want to be remembered for in your workspace?

For being a hard worker, the one that always got things done no matter what. The one that exudes love; for herself, for others and for her work.

Over the years, which manager would you say had a significant impact in your career?

All of them had a significant impact on my career because I would not be where I am today if it were not for them. But if I had to choose just one, I would have to say Prof Mavhandu-Mudzusi. She always saw potential in me, and she would say, "Thandeka, you do not belong behind that desk. The world is your oyster." She would always push me to be greater and go beyond my limits.

What opportunity were you granted by Unisa to make an impact in your life or career?

I have gone over and above my job description. I have been granted an opportunity to do human resources work, to work in events, work closely with management and attend training that have equipped me in my self-development. I am always willing to learn.

What are your future goals?

At this stage of my life and career, my main goal is to finish my studies, gain more hands-on experience and explore my creative side.  

* By Nnana Martina Jege, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Human Sciences