Trailblazers in ‘support services’ power Wits’ mission
- Wits University
Wits administrative staff who are behind the success of the University’s academic and research operations have been recognised at the VC's Awards.
The annual Vice-Chancellor’s Awards celebrating excellence amongst academic and professional and administrative staff were held on 23 October 2024. The awards consist of various categories reflecting the diverse endeavours of the University. Winners are selected following a call for nominations and an adjudicating process.
The awards have two broad categories aimed at academics and the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Service Excellence aimed at Professional and Administrative Staff. The latter recognises the backbone of Wits operations who demonstrate exceptional customer/service focus, reliability/dependability and accountability, innovation and process improvement.
Speaking at the event, Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi expressed gratitude to staff and to Wits Council members, Senators and Board members present at the glittery affair, which also served to acknowledge strides made by the University as it moves forward.
“All of you here tonight have made a mark at Wits and beyond. It is through your achievements, that Wits University continues to be a beacon of excellence,” Vilakazi.
The Vice-Chancellor's Service Excellence Awards for Professional and Administrative Staff (Team)
The Wits Business School's Academic Quality Assurance (AQA) team scooped this award. The adjudicating committee unequivocally acknowledged the team's exceptional levels of innovation, customer service, reliability, and teamwork. The team consist of Susan Benvenuti, Kathryn Pope, Myrtle Adams-Gardner and Gosiame Noge.
Benvenuti, Head of AQA explained that the team is responsible for quality assurance and supports both excellence in all the activities of the School, as well as the international accreditation aspirations of the School.
“WBS is targeting “4-Crown Accreditation” – we currently hold two and are making excellent progress towards the next two. This work requires the engagement of everyone at WBS – academic and support staff – and relies on huge amounts of data and analysis to tell the School’s story and demonstrate its successes. AQuA received the award for the innovations we have put in place to support this work and enable the cooperation across the school that is needed. We are delighted at the recognition that this award gives to WBS – the AQuA team, the leadership of the School who support our efforts and champion our innovations, and all the staff who engage and contribute above the normal work demands. The school is on the rise, and we are excited and proud to be a part of its success.
Doris Lamola, Senior Administrator of the Radiology Department at the Faculty of Health Sciences, toppe the Grade 10 – 13 category. She was commended for her dedication to understanding and resolving colleagues' challenges, maintaining stability, and fostering a positive and respectful environment. Lamola has played a key role in improving the efficiency of the Academic Head Office by introducing more effective administrative processes that save time and resources.
“I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to receive this award. It’s always rewarding to have hard work, over time and dedication recognised. This motivates me to continue striving for excellence in all aspects of my work. As I’m coming from the corporate world demonstrates that I remain both relevant and capable,” said Lamola.
She relishes the opportunity to work closely with a dynamic team, and the variety of tasks, putting structures in place which keeps her days interesting and challenging.
Chante Schatz, Multimedia Officer in the Communications Office, is behind the videos that capture the essence of Wits University placing it firmly in the hearts and minds of people. She won in the Grade 7 – 9 category for breathing life into novel ideas such as Wits in 60 Seconds, a weekly digest of Wits stories. as well as many exceptional videos advancing Wits partnerships. The high-quality productions are matched by rigorous analysis that shows a desire to understand consumption patterns and staying ahead of the curve in content production.
Abe Pieterse, Head of the Department of the Examinations and Graduation Office, shone in the Grade 5 – 6 category. Praised for remarkable innovation and process improvement, Pieterse spearheaded the comprehensive digital transformation of manual processes, introducing a cutting-edge digital system for scheduling the examination timetable and a highly efficient platform for question paper submissions.
No award was made in the Grade 14 – 12 category.