A proud group of Unisans, comprised of cleaning and gardening staff, who participated in the Adult Community Education and Training (ACET) programme in furthering their education, were awarded their qualifications at the ZK Matthews Great Hall on 1 September 2023.

Adult Community Education and Training awardees

Acting Director of Human Resources, Dr Gwendoline van der Berg, stated that this occasion celebrated and recognised the major milestones that the cleaners and gardening staff have achieved. She said that they achieved these successes despite the wide range of responsibilities that they carry. She encouraged them to keep going further despite their workload, adding that they are setting a wonderful example to their families, communities, and those who look up to them. She stated that the country is facing alarming rates of illiteracy, and that the workers took a bold step towards bridging this gap.

From left: Dr Gwendoline van der Berg, Dr Phumzile Dlamini, Feresane Sibeko, and Gregory Martins

“You are creating a positive impact in your lives, and not just here in the workplace, but also in the society,” she added. “We do not want you to end here, this is just the beginning. From here we are looking at other skills programmes in which you can enrol. Learning is continuous.” she added.  

Support for lifelong learning

“This ceremony celebrating the achievements of the people who maintain the beauty of the university – from cleaning to maintenance – should be recognised in the same breath as those of academics, because all of us are equal,” said Dr Phumzile Dlamini, Acting Executive Director of Human Resources.

Dlamini said that she takes great pride standing before the awardees in the year that the university is celebrating its 150^th year of excellence.

Dlamini said that in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, while the majority of Unisa staff were working from home, the workers continued to work onsite and served the university, putting their lives first as essential workers. She continued: “I applaud you for that. Please continue to study further while working for the university, and bear in mind that Unisa will support you financially while providing you with high-quality education.”  

“There should be no one who says that they never got an opportunity to study while working at the university,” said Dlamini, adding that the workers should envision themselves as doctors and professors in their pursuit of further education. “Continue to respect and love your work. The university’s offices and gardens are well maintained because of you” affirmed Dlamini.  

In recognition of Heritage Month, Dlamini stated that future gatherings of this nature should prominently feature indigenous languages, as these carry a rich history and the cultural wealth of the nation.

A month of bloom

Feresane Sibeko, Executive Director of Facilities Management, said that he is excited about this day, where he got to see his staff members graduate while they are ushering in the spring season. He stated that the ACET journey started in 2016, when, he said, “we committed as management to reskilling ourselves in line with the best industry practices. I stand before you not only as executive director, but as a firm believer that education can get us far. And congratulations to our awardees. These certificates will improve your life journey and your professional careers.”

Sibeko continued: “Each and every one of us in our roles contributed to this noble task as we are the backbone of this institution. As facilities management, we ensure that all campuses have fertile ground, germination, and growth of the university’s ideas. Obtaining these certificates sends out a powerful message to students, staff, and the world at large that we value lifelong learning, not just in theory, but in practice,” said Sibeko.  

Sibeko thanked the Human Resource Department, Career Pathing Solutions, and other key partners for their efforts in nurturing, guiding and educating the employees within the facilities department.

“At facilities, we value education, and all our employees will be continuously supported in their educational pursuits” said Sibeko.

Embracing a culture of life-long learning

“Today is spring day, and we will be witnessing a lot of blossoming around ourselves, ”said the CEO of Career Pathing Solutions, Gregory Martins. “This should be a confirmation that you are starting a new season with your qualifications. When you began this journey, your roots where firmly planted in the ground, now, you are bearing fruit.”

Martins commended the workers for their dedication and hard work. He encouraged the workers to further continue to invest in their growth, adding that opportunities will come, either in the workplace or in their communities. Furthermore, Martins said that the workers are a firm inspiration to their communities, families, and their social circles, because they traversed through many difficulties owing to their responsibilities and having to deal with water and electricity shedding.

Martins pleaded with the workers not to stop here, but to continue with their academic endeavours. “Whie you are here, the university will continue to provide you with quality education and the necessary help through the Human Resources Department, therefore I urge you to keep climbing the academic ladder” he concluded.  

#Unisa150

*By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement