I trust that we all stand poised to embrace our shared journey as we take forward the multiple opportunities and possible challenges that will unfold in 2019.
At Nelson Mandela University, we will continue with our Centenary Celebration programme in honour of our namesake until July, Madiba’s birth month. We will also continue on our development trajectory of building a modern and sustainable university while working to position ourselves as an institution of first choice.
We will be rolling out turn-key human resources initiatives as part of our commitment to continuously improve the workplace environment for all our staff, including the remuneration harmonization and employee value proposition initiatives. We will also continue with organisational redesign work to ensure that we are appropriately structured and fit for purpose in meeting the needs of a new generation university.
Continuously improving our estate and facilities and enhancing safety and security on all our campuses remains high on the agenda.
Your knowledge, ideas, energy and commitment are essential if we are to be successful in establishing our new Medical School, in consolidating our standing as the go-to destination for Ocean Sciences and in embracing the social cohesion opportunities presented by the Naming and Renaming of Buildings project and the establishment of Hubs of Convergence.
We also need to intensify our efforts to offer a living and learning environment in which all our students can thrive and achieve the best that lies within.
As an engaged university in service to society, we need to rise up and live out the values of Nelson Mandela University. We need to do this collectively and consciously. As an expression of our value of Ubuntu, we need to remember the words of uTata uMadiba, that “there can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to helping others without expecting anything in return”.
I welcome you all and thank you for your commitment and contribution to the university, as we work to change the world.
Ngiyabonga kakhulu!
Professor Sibongile Muthwa