The growth and development of employees have always been a priority for the Central University of Technology. To boost morale and ambition of employees, CUT Human Resources embarked on a "grow your own timber initiative" where eligible employees are being recognised and provided with the opportunity to grow in their respective careers, elevating them to advance to greater heights.

Ms Selloane Mmutle and Ms Lebohang Mosuoane from Estates and Infrastructure, are among the employees that are being recognised and celebrated for their achievements.

Ms Selloane Mmutle said she has always been a CUT employee at heart. She started as a peer mentor in 2014 and advanced to Student Assistant position throughout her studies at CUT. In 2017, her competence landed her in the Dean's Office as a Senior Administrative Assistant and was subsequently appointed in the Teaching and Learning office as a Senior Administrative Assistant.

In 2018 she was requested to assist as a Teaching and Learning Co-Ordinator when the post was vacant and in April the same year, she moved to the Dean's office in the Faculty of Management Sciences as Marketing Assistant. Her permanent appointment finally came in February 2019, when she was appointed as Admin Assistant: Infrastructure Projects.

Selloane said that she is happy to be in her current position as it allows her to learn new things every day. "This is my learning curve as it brings new challenges and opportunities each day. As a go-getter, I always look forward to bigger challenges and ways to overcome them. I am honored to be part of this journey and looking forward to its outcomes towards my career path. However, the workload and pressure from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and CUT management is overwhelming and although I have encountered many obstacles in my current position, the journey has been a big eye-opener and pleasant at the same time. I love working for CUT but, I believe that the culture needs to change as women are not being empowered enough."

A proud alumnus, Ms Mmutle obtained a National Diploma in Human Resources Management in 2015, a BTech in Project Management in 2017, and has recently graduated her BTech: Business Administration and Business Management. Her goal is to develop more and move further into the ranks of CUT, and ultimately become one of the decision-makers.

Ms Lebohang Mosuoane's career kicked off when she joined CUT Operational Health and Safety (OHS) Office as an intern, and was appointed as a temp OHS Assistant at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic. She said it was a challenging time for her as she was faced with the task of ensuring adherence to health and safety protocols. Enforcing compliance can be difficult as most people are not familiar with OHS, acts and regulations. It is difficult to ask someone to comply when they do not know how and why."

She studied Dental Assisting in 2014, joined CUT FM in 2014/15, enrolled for Diploma in Environmental Health 2015-2017, continued to study BTech in Environmental Health 2018, and is currently studying towards her postgraduate Diploma in Project Management.

In September 2020, she was appointed as SHE Officer at the Welkom Campus where her daily tasks include conducting inspections, recommend control measures, and ensuring safety compliance on campus. "I feel good about the promotion and the opportunity granted and I am happy because being exposed to this kind of opportunity allows me to do what I love and enjoy, which makes my job very easy. This opportunity also gives me room to grow and learn, as each day comes with its challenges. I am grateful to CUT for developing me this far, and I wish they can develop more and more women to reach their desired destinies."

"My goal is to study further and obtain my PhD, conduct more educational and awareness workshops and educate our people about OHS. My advice to colleagues is to grab and use every opportunity offered to you and never stop developing yourself because times change and don't wait for no one," she said.

The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Henk de Jager, congratulated all employees who have used opportunities available to develop further at CUT and excel in their careers. "I have mentioned in my Inaugural Address as VC on 30 June 2017, that my vision for the people at CUT is to motivate them, enhance a team spirit, and lead staff to achieve their full potential. These achievements by our colleagues in Estates and Infrastructure are testimony that this dream has become a reality. Well done to you all and best wishes with your future careers at CUT and never stop dreaming. I also need to thank the relevant Line Managers and HR for creating an enabling environment for our colleagues to reach their full potential."

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Resources and Operations, Dr Gary Paul also congratulated the Estates and Infrastructure colleagues who have embarked upon this exciting journey within the institution. "The growth and upward mobility as demonstrated by the colleagues with the E&I, bear testimony to the fact that CUT is committed to creating a culture of personal and professional growth for its employees. Employees are, however, encouraged to commit to active participation in the personal and professional growth pathways."

Ms Hannelie van der Walt, Snr HR Consultant: Talent Acquisition and Organisational Design, said, "from one internally developed candidate to another, Well Done! CUT is honored to be part of your success stories."

Expressing her excitement, Ms Razina Jacobs, Senior Director: Human Resources said, "CUT is proud to celebrate your successes and these milestones. We are certain that this is only the start to future achievements within the institution."

Caption

From left: Ms Selloane Mmutle and Ms Lebohang Mosuoane.