Determined employees are delighted to have participated in the university’s Talent Management Programme offered by the Human Resources Department. The programme aims to foster career growth and equip employees to excel, adapt and contribute to the university's mission. It further recognises the talents of individuals, and reskills and upskills them to align their roles with their talents through, among others, coaching, mentoring and other skill-building opportunities.

In recent months, several employees participated in the programme through the Electronic and Web Communication (EWC) Division in Unisa’s Department of Institutional Advancement (DIA). The department is responsible for promoting the university's vision and achievements to a wider audience through various communication channels, thus reinforcing its strategic objectives.

Fulufhedzani (Fulu) Munyai shares that the programme has been impactful in shaping the way she approaches her work and career. She elaborates: "I was able to grow my research and analytical skills while working as a database officer, where I focused on gathering and updating stakeholder information. I also improved my writing through articles, marketing strategies, and drafting terms and conditions for the Loyalty App." For Munyai, having the opportunity to manage various projects helped her to develop strong project management, critical thinking and multitasking skills.

"The programme also assisted me with personal growth, by strengthening skills such as adaptability, teamwork and problem-solving," she says. "Further, supporting the Events Division during Unisa events gave me practical experience in collaboration and enhanced my time management skills and handling competing priorities." An elated Munyai asserts that these lessons have prepared her to confidently explore new opportunities outside the university, and she hopes that the programme will continuously create similar opportunities for other employees.

According to Nomfundo Mazibuko, her journey through the programme at DIA has been transformative, shaping her into a confident and resilient professional. Mazibuko, now occupying an administrative officer position serving in the management office of the university’s Protection Services Department, says that she was exposed to diverse management styles, critical tasks and high-level responsibilities, including those associated with the Office of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor. Mazibuko says, "Under the guidance of Mmone Mohoroe, who welcomed me into the DIA space, I learnt the importance of self-worth and resilience."

Coming from the Protection Services Department, Mazibuko states that it is often underestimated. Still, through the programme, she was encouraged to rise above perceptions and uphold confidence, knowing that her background does not define her capabilities. "I am deeply grateful for the trust and support I received from the Talent Management team and Ms Mohoroe, who consistently believed in my potential and ability to deliver," she says. "Beyond developing my technical and professional skills, I am also empowered to believe in my work and lead with confidence." The determined Mazibuko notes that she is grateful to DIA for participating in the programme, which enabled her to grow, learn and thrive.

Talana Lebelo explains: "In February 2023, I proudly joined the programme through DIA. This opportunity aligned perfectly with my passion for communication and marketing, fields that I have always aspired to grow in." She adds: "From the onset, I committed myself to advancing my career through the programme, and I gained valuable skills and experience through exposure in various DIA divisions." For Lebelo, one of the highlights was her secondment as a public relations officer at DIA. This role not only broadened her expertise but also confirmed that the programme fosters tangible growth opportunities.

Lebelo now occupies an acting communication and marketing assistant position at Unisa’s College of Economic and Management Sciences. She affirms: "This is precisely where I envisioned myself, and I am determined to bring positive change to the college while contributing meaningfully to the broader Unisa community." Lebelo reiterates that the programme opened doors that she once dreamt of, and this opportunity is a testament that when passion meets opportunity, growth is inevitable.

Lebelo emphasises: "I knew that my hard work would take me where I always envisioned I would go. I strongly encourage colleagues to embrace this programme as a pathway to align their careers with their passions, grow their potential, and serve Unisa with pride. I thank the DIA management for hosting me and the management of the Directorate of Student Assessment Administration for approving my participation in the programme."

Mohoroe, Corporate Information Officer in EWC and the programme participants’ mentor, remarks: "I am incredibly proud of the growth and achievements of these women who have embraced the Talent Management Programme for three years. I had the privilege of mentoring them and supporting their growth through opportunities provided by DIA." Mohoroe says their progress is a testament to the programme’s impact. "Their journeys highlight how intentional development and mentorship can unlock potential and inspire excellence. Congratulations to them for their dedication and success; they embody the true value of investing in talent."

Dr Louise Schmidt, Deputy Director of EWC, expresses: "It gives me great joy to congratulate our colleagues on their dedication during their talent development journey and on achieving their new career milestones." Schmidt shares that their success is a proud reflection of the value of Unisa’s Talent Management Programme and the support it provides in shaping future leaders. She further recognises Mohoroe for guiding and mentoring the programme participants. "We celebrate their achievements and wish them continued growth and success."

Dzivhuluwani Mundalamo, of Unisa’s Talent Management Office, says that he congratulates the candidates for their dedication and advancement in their careers. Mundalamo also acknowledges Mohoroe and DIA for their support and guidance throughout the candidates’ journeys, as that helped them develop their competencies and grow their careers. Concluding, he says: "The programme is designed to provide Unisans with experience aligned with their qualifications and career aspirations."

* By Nancy Legodi, Acting Senior Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement