Unisa's Gauteng Region enhances team cohesion through staff engagement sessions

Unisa's Gauteng Region recently hosted staff engagement sessions at the Florida, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg Regional Service Centres to strengthen team cohesion and align staff efforts with the university's strategic goals. Spearheaded by Moipone Masalesa, the Regional Director of Unisa's Gauteng Region, these face-to-face sessions aimed to foster deeper connections among staff members, driving innovation and excellence across the institution, establishing and maintaining long-term mutual relationships between management and staff, sharing plans and goals and exploring possible collaborations and partnerships on projects that may benefit both the Gauteng Region and the university as a whole.

Management and staff members of Unisa's Gauteng Region during the staff engagement session at the Florida Regional Service Centre.

The engagement sessions started at the Science Campus in Florida, followed by Ekurhuleni and then Johannesburg. The welcome remarks were delivered by the respective regional service centre managers, Pulane Mphasane (Florida), Pat Lethole (Ekurhuleni) and Peter Modiselle (Johannesburg), who expressed their appreciation to the regional management for engaging with staff members. They emphasised the significance of staff engagement in achieving Unisa's vision, noting that such meetings will enhance team cohesion and innovation within the university's workforce. Following the welcome remarks, all attendees shared brief introductions, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

Management and staff members of Unisa's Gauteng Region during the staff engagement session at the Ekurhuleni Regional Service Centre.

Each session started with a focus on staff engagement, beginning with an address by Masalesa, who highlighted the importance of staff members seizing innovative opportunities that contribute to the university's catalytic niche areas. She discussed the importance of co-curricular activities, noting that they contribute to a well-rounded academic experience. She emphasised that such activities enhance student engagement and promote a vibrant campus culture. In her address, Masalesa encapsulated the essence of staff engagement at Unisa: "Staff engagement is not just about creating a happy workforce; it's about building a community of dedicated professionals committed to excellence and innovation. For Unisa and the Gauteng Region, this means harnessing our collective strengths to drive forward our vision for 2025–2030 and beyond."

Management and staff members of Unisa's Gauteng Region during the staff engagement session at the Johannesburg Regional Service Centre.

Daniel Kekane, Manager: Finance and Operations (Gauteng Region), delivered one of the key presentations. Kekane provided background information on the importance of infusing diversity into the university's strategic objectives. This comprehensive approach can drive productivity and satisfaction within the workspace. Mphasane Lethole Modiselle facilitated discussions on how the respective centres contribute to Unisa's vision for 2025–2030 and beyond. The focus was on how the centres can support the ten catalytic niche areas identified in Unisa's strategic document. Participants from various centres shared their futuristic views on their role in Unisa's long-term strategy. Dr Erid Naude, Deputy Director: Academic and Technology Support, emphasised the importance of staff participation in community engagement, research, and quality committees. Additionally, she highlighted opportunities for staff to join other units like registration or computer labs, underscoring the importance of multiskilling and continuous development.

Following the formal presentations, staff members had the opportunity to suggest innovative ideas and discuss their implementation. The engagement with staff further focused on challenges and proposed potential solutions to enhance university processes, thereby fostering a collaborative and solution-oriented environment.

"The staff engagement in the Gauteng Region was a significant step towards aligning staff efforts with Unisa's strategic goals. The sessions successfully laid the groundwork for future initiatives to enhance staff engagement and retention through collaborative discussions, presentations, and robust engagement. As Unisa looks to the future, the commitment and innovation of its staff will undoubtedly play a crucial role in achieving its ambitious vision. These sessions will continue in the remaining centres, namely, Vaal and Sunnyside", concluded Masalesa.

*By Thembeka Ntuli-Mpapama, Manager: Communication and Marketing, Unisa's Gauteng Region