Q & A UNIVERSITY OF MPUMALANGA
to inclusion have heightened my sensitivity, ensuring I do not discriminate against any staff member.
Moreover, as a female leader, I have been keenly aware of the imperatives of transformation and the importance of empowering up-and-coming female academics. The burden of overcoming patriarchy has been significant and had to be addressed decisively as I progressed up the academic ladder.
My crowning strength lies in the vast experience I have gained – over three decades of leadership in higher education. I have held key positions such as Dean of Faculty and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, to name but a few.
All these experiences have coalesced, combined, and integrated, enabling me to lead with unique depth and insight. I hold others to account while doing so with considerable empathy. Over the years, I have also learned to handle power with grace and magnanimity.
Furthermore, it is important for no to mean no – with reasons fully given – and for yes to mean yes. Being decisive and discerning are key traits in effective leadership.
Treating all staff with fairness and respect has allowed me to navigate various challenges with a measure of calmness and equanimity. Committed to the vision and adhering to values in an unwavering manner, particularly a decade of excellence, has ensured that we remain true to the vision of UMP.
The following values, alongside excellence, have been woven into the institutional fabric of UMP: Integrity, Diversity, Collaboration, Adaptability, Relevance, and Inspiration. At UMP, staff and students live these values.
The world is continuously evolving – how do you ensure that UMP stays ahead?
How do you navigate juggling the needs, wants and requirements from various stakeholders, while remaining true to the vision of UMP?
Communication and authenticity have been key to working with all stakeholders. Building trust, being honest, and never playing games have been essential in taking others along. The dynamic and ever-changing challenges in the higher education sector make it crucial never to rest on one’ s laurels.
Embracing the reality that change is the only constant is helpful. Taking academic sojourns, both nationally and internationally, to learn and benchmark has proven important. Collaborating with leading institutions on the African continent – and internationally as well – keeps one alert. The preparedness to learn and be a perpetual scholar is invaluable. Staying ahead requires humility and engaging some of the leading researchers to explore the world and ask tough questions, all in the interests of UMP.
28 SA PROFILE www. saprofilemagazine. co. za