The journey to celebrate greatness continues with employees, Mr Papi Senyarelo and Ms Kgomoco Masilo.

Mr Papi Senyarelo started working for the Central University of Technology in 2013 as a General Assistant: Cleaning and worked as General Assistant: Grounds since 2016. He has completed a safety training and assessment on Scarifier, Lawnmower, SOD cutter, Chainsaw, Edge cutter, Brush cutter and obtained a certificate as a tractor blower. He is also certified to operate a counter-balance lift truck.  Although he did not have the official credentials for the position of Supervisor: Sports Fields Services his passion for keeping the sports fields in tiptop condition was unquestioned. CUT provided Mr Senyarelo with an opportunity to compete for the position as part of a developmental programme and he soon showed that he had the competence needed to perform the duties of the position. On 1 February 2020, Mr Senyarelo was appointed as Supervisor: Sports Fields Services, showing that the grass is greener where you water it. 

“When I joined CUT, I only had a matric certificate and driver’s license. CUT has given me a new lease on live and I have grown beyond my expectations. Since I came here, I have been attending many developmental courses and programmes. I am grateful for this opportunity as it has exposed me to a new world of great possibilities. This has changed my life and that of my family for the better, as my wife also has the same opportunity to further her studies. Although my current position is a bit challenging, I am glad that these challenges allow me to learn new skills and more. Thus far, the challenges I have encountered is having to deal with ill-disciplined personnel and AWOLs, but so far, I am happy and feel positive about my new role.”

Asked about his future plans, Mr Senyarelo said he would like to see himself as part of top management. As for his development plans, he said that he wishes to have workshops and a team building session for all workers, especially those in lower positions. “I believe that if I want success in my career, I must work very hard and never give up, motivate and encourage those around me so that we can move forward together.”

Ms Kgomoco Masilo’s journey at CUT started on 01 October 2013 as a Clerk of Works: Capital and Long-Term Maintenance Projects. She took part in the developmental programmes for the Project Coordinator position and from 1 October 2020, was appointed as Project Coordinator:  Infrastructure. In her new role, she plays a key part in coordinating the infrastructure projects, including project planning, management, coordination, liaison, and reporting.

To complement her current position, she obtained a National Diploma in Building, BTech Construction Management, and is currently studying towards a PGDip: Construction.

When expressing her excitement about her new role, she said that she is thrilled to be in projects because that is where her passion is. “Choosing a career in a higher education institution was the best decision for me, especially now with the current pandemic situation where more and more people are losing their jobs. I am very grateful to be able to support my family even during these hardships.”

“What I like most about my current position is being more involved and hands-on in the infrastructure projects because nothing is more fulfilling than seeing something you started from the ground being completed and fully functional.”

Ms Masilo said she aspires to be at a higher and more senior-level such as Senior Project Manager. “With my current studies, I am working towards positioning myself and progressing to greater heights, be it at CUT or any other organisation. As a young black woman, I am ambitious, and growth is important to me. I am always ready to learn and grow more and even help with whatever skills I have acquired from my other colleagues.” 

Asked about challenges faced in the male-dominated career field, Ms Masilo mentioned red tape as one of the processes that hinder progress, unfair labour practice within the unit, lack of skills recognition and lack of empowerment. Her advice to her peers and colleagues is consistency and hard work. “Keep on studying to acquire more skills and remain relevant, learn more from your colleagues. Our voices or efforts might not be heard or seen, but we should never stop improving ourselves as the sky is the limit.”

Caption

 From left: Mr Papi Michael Senyarelo and Ms Kgomoco Masilo.