Ms Martina Moss, recently appointed as Deputy Director: Academic Staff and Student Mobility in Center for Global Engagement (previously known as the International Office), joined CUT as a Secretary to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Services in 2004. In 2008 she joined the registrar’s division as the Executive Secretary to the Registrar and in 2014, she moved to the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) as an Administrative Coordinator, where her passion and dedication saw her move up the ranks within the Section and in 2017, became responsible for more projects including the Internationalisation at Home project.

Today, with an extensive experience of over 17 years in South African Higher Education, her practice covers a wide range of expertise in office administration, communication, financial management, project management, policy and procedure development and secretariate duties. 

She mentioned that she played a pivotal role in implementing the Internationalisation at Home (I@H) project and managed all communications and processes between the CGE and the institutional Global Partners, local and international Embassies and High Commissions regarding the CUT inbound and outbound of staff and students’ mobility. In addition, “I was involved in the development of policies and guidelines on Internationalisation, and I am an active participant in the comprehensive internationalisation of higher education narrative at CUT,” she added.

In her current position, Mme Martina, as she’s fondly known, is responsible for managing student mobility programs/short study Programs/summer schools/study abroad programs; international staff mobility to and from partner institutions, mentorship programs for international students; evaluating and monitor projects as well as to conduct and publish research.

“Since joining the CGE, I have broadened my global networks considerably.  I have been exposed to International Education Associations in Africa, the USA, Europe, Asia Pacific, and South America.  Access to knowledge about internationalisation of higher education and global trends related to the university’s internationalisation endeavours shaped my approach to academic staff and student mobility at CUT.  It also enhanced my capacity as a thought leader regarding academic staff and student mobility opportunities, challenges, and trends through extensive engagements with embassies and global university leadership.  All of the above influenced my understanding of the global north and south, as well as my interaction with my family regarding the new office environment.   Through CUT, I was able to pursue my studies further and obtained my master’s degree, which later landed me my dream job.  My son was also able to study through the CUT bursary and obtained an Honours degree.”

Asked if she thinks the university has empowered her and given her a fair chance of growth in her current position, Ms Moss said, “without a doubt! I am a living example of growth and development within CUT. I am where I am today because of this university's support and opportunities provided to me. I have gained a lot of knowledge and have been exposed to global mentors and coaches who further equipped me with different management styles. I can safely say that with time, I have become an expert and a thought leader of internationalisation,” she added.

Among her daily duties, Martina said that she enjoys working with local and international students, academic and professional staff at CUT and internationally; and loves finding mobility opportunities for students and staff and seeing how these opportunities impact their lives positively.

She mentioned that her challenges include the red tape and university systems that strain the outbound mobility of students and internationalisation endeavours of CGE, as well as insufficient funds to support student mobility.  “If there are philanthropists who would like to collaborate with CUT to improve our student mobility, they must please contact my office,” she invited.

Ms Moss holds a Master of Commerce (MCom) degree in Business Management from the University of the Free State, with a focus on Internationalisation in Higher Education. She was nominated for the Golden Key Award while studying for undergraduate studies at the same university. She is an active participant and member of the International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA). Her research study focused on Internationalisation of Higher Education with great emphasis on student and staff mobility as drivers of internationalisation of the curriculum and internationalisation at home.  “I strengthen my knowledge base through my association with networks like The Forum and the European Association for International Education (EAIE) regarding study abroad and student exchanges.  I have also virtually attended several international webinars and conferences since 2020.”

She plans to further her studies and obtain a PhD in the internationalisation of higher education.  She is also enrolled in the European Association of International Education (EAIE)leadership mentorship program that will further enhance her capacity and skills that will also add value to the CUT community. Her advice to her peers is “education is a lifelong learning endeavour. It is never too late to study. Work towards becoming a champion in your field of work.”

Uploaded: 06 April 2022