​This seasoned educator is no newcomer to TUT and has previously been employed as Senior Lecturer and HOD at the Department of Primary Education, Soshanguve South Campus. 

Born in KwaZulu-Natal, she experienced considerable hardships during her childhood but through sheer dedication and hard work managed to turn her life around completely. With a playful smile, she says despite, or perhaps because of these difficulties, the most accurate description for her is, “loud, passionate, authentic and driven.” 

Dr Banoobhai holds a Doctorate in Education from TUT and is widely recognised for her ability to serve, engage and inspire students. She is skilled and experienced in several aspects of the general education sector, including higher education. She lectured to undergraduate and postgraduate students, while she also is an expert in developing, designing and implementing curricula as well as national legislation pertaining to the registration and the accreditation of qualifications. 

Asked what the future challenges and expectations for HEDS are, she explains, “I have been privileged to serve TUT for 22 years, not only at Faculty level, but at HEDS as well. I want to use this experience in the best interest of all TUT stakeholders and to strategically position HEDS as a key unit towards creating awareness of and getting recognition for this University as the people’s university.”

She is convinced that the changing higher education landscape, from the approved new TUT transformation framework through to the implementation of the announcement of free higher education for children from poor and working class families, will provide the University with many opportunities and fertile soil to sow seeds of innovation. “At the same time it these will guide HEDS to continue providing the excellent programmes it is known and recognised for.”  

“My personal vision for the unit, in a nut shell, is to lead teaching and learning innovation at TUT, as well as delivering excellence through diverse knowledge systems and collaborative, critical, reflective dialogue, which will ensure we optimise human potential in achieving our goals.”

Since 2015, Dr Banoobhai has acted as coordinator for the very popular institutional project TUT101, which forms part of the annual first-year orientation programme. 

The TUT 101 project, based on extensive research, highlights the need for thoughtful attention to the transitional needs of first-year students, including academic and social integration. She is highly experienced in and passionate about his is educational area, which focuses on ensuring that students experience core-curriculum, extra-curriculum and co-curriculum in a holistic way. This will allow students to learn academic behaviours, including language competence, confidence, tolerance and acceptable social practices.

Dr Banoobhai says she is grateful for all her personal and career successes and will continue to inspire minds, young and old. She adds that she will work hard to balance work and family and continue to share her warm personality with everyone who crosses her path.