Prof. Thidziambi Tshivhase-Phendla

First, I would like to thank you for your outstanding contributions towards the improved performance of our students during the 2009 academic year, as well as placing us on the map as one of the forces to reckon with at Univen.  We also made a good start with our End of the Year Strategic Planning Bosberaad, which gave us a very positive feeling that the year 2010 is going to be another good year for us all.In 2010, we as the School of Education will continue to do our sincere best in not only providing education but also every aspect of your life, placing importance on integrity and sound management.  I believe that the School of Education will be well on the road to becoming a “Leading Provider of Excellent Education” by adhering to these principles, maintaining fairness and wholeheartedness and solving problems with patience and haste.

In the light of this basic thinking, I would like to make three requests this year to the School of Education: The first request is that you set and observe clear deadlines and time frames in pursuing your activities. This means that you must first clarify your objectives and goals, make careful preparations to overcome obstacles and resolve problems, and then take an inventive approach, remaining strongly determined to fulfil your respective objectives.Secondly, I would like to request that you share information and concerns with others for faster problem solving. I would like to see transparency in the process of intra- and inter-departmental information sharing. Always be conscious of sharing information with other departments, and highlight the problems based on shared information. I would like to request and encourage teamwork and team spirit.Thirdly, I would like to ask you to cultivate a deeper sense of compassion and create a lively workplace culture where our colleagues and students feel safe and respected.  We must be willing to listen to others and try to understand and respect the others’ positions. I want you to seek out the good in people and bring out their best, sharing both joy and sorrow, so that you can create a warm and lively workplace atmosphere.

I look forward to working collaboratively with you. Your renewed, re-energised and committed efforts coupled with your valued experience and innovative ideas are my greatest strengths.
 For that reason, I am encouraged and confident that with your endeavour and enthusiasm we will achieve all our goals.

Once more, many happy returns in 2010.