CPUT’s new Director for Institutional Transformation, Social Cohesion and Diversity is encouraging the university community to embrace the spirit of “Thuma Mina”.
Nonkosi Tyolwana, who joins CPUT from the Department of Women in the Presidency, took up her new post on March 1.
“In the State of the Nation Address the President of South Africa spoke about: ‘Thuma mina’. At CPUT we must be the kind of people who say: ‘Thuma mina – Send me and I will do it’.”
She says transformation should not be seen as a loaded term but rather something that people are inspired to do and to play their part without coercion.
“Every staff member must feel encouraged to build a better future for himself/herself, her/his children and his/her country and should we fail to do that history will judge us badly. Our research outputs, knowledge production, teaching and learning must effect change and aim to solve the problems of our society now. Students must know that CPUT is the training ground for their leadership position and collectively participate to fulfil their dreams. They must grab the opportunity they have at CPUT by the horns.”
Tyolwana emphasises that transformation is not about employment equity alone and says employment equity is just one component of transformation.
She says the three pillars (transformation, social cohesion and diversity) that make up her portfolio are a three-legged pot that should be mainstreamed in all disciplines and programmes of work.
She adds that transformation should also respond to three critical issues– participation, responsiveness and governance and points out that with governance she refers to partnerships and networking.
“These can be social issues. There are issues like gender based violence that can be a risk to transformation. If people are hurt or traumatised, that will surely affect productivity, access to teaching and learning and ultimately her/his morale.”
Her first focus includes developing a communication plan to raise understanding and awareness.
There is a CPUT transformation strategy that was approved in 2013 and we will review that one. We need to review it and ensure that it is service-oriented and the review process will require an inclusive and participatory approach so that no one is left behind.
