SMU HR and Labor undertakes a tour of Wits University

by Lorato | Jul 12, 2022 | All News, SMU Media

SMU Benchmarking Tour: Engagement with Wits University

Emanating from the salary negotiations, the parties (SMU Management and Organised Labour) agreed to undertake a benchmarking tour with a number of Universities to investigate/explore the following issues to better improve current practices:

a) Salary advances payable
b) Notch progression/ percentiles
c) Medical Aid subsidy
d) Study benefit subsidy on all accredited public and private colleges, universities and higher education institutions
e) Advance on 13th cheque

The following SMU delegation, comprising of HR and Organised Labour, met with the HR Team at Wits University on 07 July 2022:
• Odette Ramsingh (Human Resources)
• Pontsho Hlalethwa (Human Resources)
• Kwenze Khuzwayo (Human Resources)
• Tshifhiwa Mulaudzi (NEHAWU)
• Gladys Malema (NEHAWU)
• Jacob Lekabe (APSA/SAPTU Collaboration)
• Kabelo Mokoape (representing APSA/SAPTU Collaboration)
• Lizette Van der Merwe (representing APSA/SAPTU Collaboration)

The SMU delegation appreciated the willingness of Wits University to engage on the various issues that we as SMU are currently wrestling with as we seek solutions that are in the best interest of the employees and the University. Wits University openly shared their information and knowledge with SMU, and the delegation left the engagement with many insights and much ‘food for thought’.

There is no doubt that engagements of this nature will definitely enrich perspectives on policy, practices and approaches, and will impact on the quality of decisions that SMU will take on the matters mentioned. Within this context of learning and growing, it is therefore with excitement that the delegation will engage with the HR Team at the University of Mpumalanga on 28 July 2022.

Once all engagements are concluded, a position paper will be drafted for Executive Management Committee for the necessary direction and decision.

What the joint benchmarking process demonstrates is a commitment by the parties to meaningfully explore the issues, and in an open and transparent manner to seek solutions. What it will also serve to do according to Ms Odette Ramsingh, SD: Human Resources at SMU, ‘is consolidate a continued relationship of knowledge and information sharing between the respective universities that will bode well for embedding better practices in the sector’.

The strategic partnership between SMU Management and Organised Labour was commented upon when a representative from the host University indicated that ‘It was such a pleasure to have hosted a diverse audience; a first I must say where management and organised labour collaborate on such an important goal of benchmarking practices’.

Gauteng government commemorates International Day against Drug abuse and illicit trafficking at SMU

by Lorato | Jul 1, 2022 | All News, SMU Media

SMU played host to the Gauteng Department of Social Development during the commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit trafficking on 26 June 2022. This day has been declared by the United Nations with a purpose to mobilise the world communities to fight the scourge of drug abuse.

An impressive array of speakers and entertainers headlined the event. Mr Khulekani Cilli, a gospel singer and a former alcohol addict who has since kicked the addiction, sang inspirational gospel songs while also
encouraging those who attended to emulate his example of being sober. He revealed during the occasion that he lost two houses and three cars as a result of substance abuse. The KeMoja group also performed a play and recited poetry during the event.

Speaking in his capacity as the Councillor of Ward 31, where SMU is located, Councillor Tshepo Kgatle appealed to the community to change their attitude towards drug addicts and view them as people suffering from substance abuse disorder and not criminals.

Giving a welcoming address on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, SMU Chief Operating Officer Mr Mfanfikile Sibanyoni told attendees that the University as an institution that primarily, specialises in health sciences education is confronted by the challenge of illicit drugs both, in its research activities and in practice. “We find ourselves having to deal with the trauma and many after effects of drugs- from people across the spectrum”, said Sibanyoni.

“Drug abuse is a major social problem with significant impacts on both the social and economic aspects of any country and the world. The flip side of the technological advancements that we witness today is that they also enable trading in illicit drugs. As an institution of higher learning, we have a responsibility to use our expertise and the technology, at our disposal, in the fight against this scourge. Given the magnitude of the problem, we acknowledge that we cannot do this alone. Equally, we acknowledge that government on its own cannot successfully deal with this problem. Collaborations such as demonstrated by this occasion provide a platform and the sharing of resources which will enable us to do more with less”, emphasised the COO.

Ms Desary Carlinsky, the Acting Director, Abuse Prevention Treatment and Rehabilitation said “the change we want to see, in the war against substance abuse, starts with ourselves, as a community”. She said she came to SMU to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and to form lasting partnerships and networks with all service delivery partners in addressing drug challenges.

Dr Moliehi Matlala, the Acting Dean, School of Pharmacy, said participating in the commemoration event is part of the School of Pharmacy’s community engagement programme. She added that illicit drugs are not the only problem, even medication such as Codeine and Tramadol in the hands of school kids, end up being used as drugs and in time become gateway drugs towards illicit drugs.

Ms Dereleen James, a Central Drug Authority member, shared with the audience her experiences of her son who overcame drug addiction and has been clean for six years. She called upon the community to close ranks and work together because substance abuse disorders do not discriminate as they happen to the best among the community.

Prof Kebogile Mokwena, the NRF Research Chair: Sub- stance Abuse and Population Health, said “as a society, we are responsible to look after those among us who are vulnerable. Nyaope addiction cannot be treated in the same old way as alcohol addiction has been treated, in the past. There is a need to embark on evidence based ways of treating this disorder”. She challenged Gauteng Social Development to open their doors for partnership to enable her and other researchers to access funding to conduct research which will benefit the society and address the scourge of drug abuse disorder.

Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the provincial government, Deputy Director General at the department of Social Development Mr Onkemetse Kabasia said there must never be a time to retreat and everyday should be declared to fight substance abuse. “When we are sleeping, drug lords and peddlers are hard at work”, he said. Kabasia also mentioned that a trend has emerged where criminals are targeting students from the primary school level up to tertiary institutions to avail drugs to them and in the process destroying the hopes and aspirations of the future of the country.

“We continue to make significant strides in fighting drug and substance abuse through programmes such as ‘Ke Moja’, I am fine with drugs. He encouraged those who are facing substance abuse challenges to check themselves in their nearest facility as government has availed resources to help those in need. He further said that on average, 40 000 people are treated yearly and the department is committed to reaching its target of treating 8 million people by 2024.

This day is supported by governments, organisations, communities and individuals all over the world, to promote the awareness of dangers associated with illicit drugs. This day enables different communities to create awareness’s of illicit drug trade, drug smuggling and illicit tobacco consumption, because the communities at local level, are in the battle against alcohol tobacco and other drugs.

The Gauteng City Region Anti-Substance Abuse Strategy 2020 – 2025 prioritises services to young people and especially Institutions of Hi her Learning. The implementation plan is geared to the:

Development and implementation of Prevention and awareness programme;

• Capacity building initiatives
• Development of extra-curricular programmes that cultivate and promote social cohesion.

The human face of the 2022 Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University graduation ceremonies

by Lorato | Jun 7, 2022 | All News, SMU Media

“I want nothing but the best for myself and those I care about. I constantly go above and beyond to assist those around me to become the greatest versions of themselves. I’m quite proud of what I have been able to accomplish in my life, thus far”.

What s this all about you may ask? This is the story of Tshepo Aphane, a 24-year-old Biochemistry Master’s student at SMU, who graduated with his Honours degree during the recent graduations. To say that his has not been an easy life would be an understatement.

Tshepo’s life as he puts it…
“is a collection of memories, some good and some not so great, but these moments have shaped me into the person I am today, and I don’t regret anything that has happened. I consider myself to be a strong and driven individual. I have big ambitions for the world and I am prepared to put in the effort to make those dreams a reality. My motives are inherited from my family, notably my late mother, whom I, still, adore”. I am an optimist who is also practical. My mother taught me that we live in a continuously changing world, and that in order to succeed, I must have the capacity to adapt and adjust to this changing world, but more significantly, I must prepare myself to succeed.

The story that is my life-Tshepo!
Happiness and delight flooded my mother’s heart on a Tuesday morning at 02h30 on the 23 September 1997. That was my birthday! I was born in Themba Hospital in Kabokweni Village, Mpumalanga. My mother had only one child, me. I have never met my father. However, my mother lived and treated me with so much love. She had been through a lot to get to where she was before she passed away. In my eyes she succeeded in life; and I dare say, against the odds. She was a fantastic cook, a head chef at a hospital in Fourways and many other restaurants before then; who enjoyed cooking for us at home. This is most likely where my interest in cooking comes from. Without mentioning my grandma, gogo Morongwe, my story would be incomplete. I consider myself fortunate that she is still a big part of my life and has taken on the role of a mother after my mother’s passing; like the rest of the family, she is kind.

Tshepo’s story is as touching is it is interesting
“It’s been a long path for me, from losing my mother when I was 14 years old to staying alone at my mother’s house a year later. I recall, at one point, my school shoes having a hole underneath them. I had to put a piece of paper in before wearing them to make sure that stones do not prick me as I walked. I ‘d sometimes go to sleep hungry. I pushed through everything that was going on, completing my Matric with relatively excellent results, but due to a lack of funds, I had to take a gap year in 2016, in which I found a job. That gave me a perspective of some sort to the life I wanted to live.

Finally, I made it to the university. I thought my troubles were over, but to my surprise, university came with its problems; adjusting to this new world, balancing between school and everything else, found myself even repeating a module, which was a serious wake up call, “reality checks is how I paid for my mistakes”.

I decided to take everything serious, to be intentional, and to be present. I’m not saying life is amazing now but it’s good that I’m able to juggle everything life throws my way, with a smile on my face.”

I am sure that there are many stories similar to that of Tshepo. It just shows that SMU is not just about getting degrees, but giving hope and a future to the many Tshepos whose futures would have been destroyed by circumstances beyond their control.

Tshepo’s story is one of the many reasons why the recent SMU graduations are of extreme significance.
I am sure there are many Tshepos who formed part of the recent graduations. If given the chance, they, probably, would write stories of how they conquered adversity to finally attain their qualifications. How do they do it? Once may ask.

As Tshepo concluded,
“We need discipline and, above all, have an unwavering desire to face challenges as they arise. One of the finest ways to characterize my existence is as “a continuing piece of art.” I learned that we are the architects of our lives, the artists of our own destiny, through work, devotion, and determination. Every path we choose or do not take has an influence on our existence and leaves a trail like a shooting star in the night sky; the beauty of the trail is totally dependent on the nature of our actions in life.