Importance of time management emphasised at WIL Workshop

The central message “respect time” was clear during the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship’s Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Workplace Readiness Workshop. Themed “Navigating the world of work”, the event was recently held at the Theunis Bester Hall, Pretoria Campus.

Prof Tumo Kele delivering the opening address at the WIL workplace readiness workshop. Opening the event, Prof Tumo Kele, Head of the Department, told students that WIL prepares them to succeed in the workplace. It further offers students an opportunity to gain firsthand insights from industry leaders.

“We, as a Department, strive for the conversion of our students into not just being employees, but to become employers themselves. If you are registered at the Department, the expectation is that you are going to register companies that will help to solve many societal problems faced by the country,” he added.

Welcoming the guests and students, Albert Sekgobela, Employability Practitioner at Student Development and Support, said that while WIL offers valuable experience for students before graduation, it also trains students to respect time and act professionally once they enter the world of work.

He said WIL is a vital component that improves one’s opportunities to obtain permanent employment immediately after graduating. It further offers students important skills that they will require in the future and enhances academic performance due to practical applications with the employer.

Guest speaker, Dr Izimangaliso Malatjie talking about leadership and its responsibilities. Guest speaker, Dr Izimangaliso Malatjie, Chief Director: Cadet and Foundation Management at the National School of Governance, talked about leadership and emphasised that it comes with huge responsibilities. “Leadership is not just a title – it is about influence and hard work, and as a leader you often carry the responsibility of others. As a leader, you need to know your strengths and weaknesses and what you want,” she said.

She said leaders take responsibility for their actions; they act with integrity; they are accountable; they are confident in what they do; and knowledgeable about the areas they are working in. She told students that a qualification alone is not enough; they need to learn other skills and always act professionally and manage their time effectively.

Izimangaliso concluded by telling students to learn to work with others and to not settle for what they already have – but to strive for more and better opportunities. “Everything and anything depends on and starts with you.”

Sam Fakude, Chairman of Yandisa Academy, talked about the services they offer and emphasised that their Academy bridges the gap between where students are and what industry requires.

As skills facilitators, the Academy provides training on how to be professional and add value at your workplace. While qualifications open doors, readiness gets you invited to interviews, and your values keep you at your job.

Kgaugelo Mamabolo emphasising the importance of mentorship. Kgaugelo Mamabolo, Secretary at the Human Resources and Transformation Environment at TUT, shared her experiences on her love for mentoring and how she has hosted over six WIL students in the past.

She said one means of unlocking WIL opportunities is the willingness to volunteer and seek advice from former WIL students, who might be able to refer you to relevant potential employers. She added that students always need to show up, speak up, and step up.