Students explore workplace realities through interactive workshop

The Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), recently hosted an exciting and interactive Work Integrated Learning (WIL) work readiness workshop Navigating the World of Work, featuring seasoned professionals who shared their experiences on how to add value and smoothly navigate the world of work.

Prof Tumo Kele is opening and welcoming guests at the WIL workshop. Welcoming guests and students, Prof Tumo Kele, Head of the Department, said that while the University strives to produce future-ready students who will make meaningful contributions to society, students need to behave properly, professionally and be disciplined when they enter the workplace.

“External or internal behaviour often reflects the character of the person you are. Good behaviour and proper discipline are traits that will set you apart from others,” he added.

Luthando Xaba, Deputy Secretary of the Student Faculty Council, also shared his journey of ups and downs and advised students to start building their profiles early in their careers; to apply broadly; and to network work intentionally and show up with value.

According to Luthando, education will feed the businesses of future entrepreneurs. “Entrepreneurship is a service – and for that, most successful businesses serve the people and solve problems. Your mandate is to entrepreneur the future together,” he told the students.

Ntombekhaya Cenenda, Lecturer and Business Coach at TUT, talked about the importance of mentorship and coaching. “While coaching is a structured process focused on developing specific skills and mentorship is specialised guidance and encouragement, both bridge the gap between theory and practice. A mentor boosts confidence and gives advice while a coach builds confidence and provides feedback, but both develop a holistic professional,” she added.

Ntombekhaya Cenenda is advising students on the importance of mentorship and coaching. Buhle Makwetla, Founding Director of Buzile HR Consulting, urged students to continuously improve their skills, especially their interpersonal and communication skills. “Because of a lack of enough jobs for young graduates, students need to learn other skills to become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses,” she said.

Dr Andile Molokomme, Medical Doctor and Entrepreneur (ABG), said life is about being intentional. She shared her personal journey of becoming an entrepreneur, even though she had no entrepreneurial skills. She emphasised that one does not need funding to start a successful business venture.

David Mahloane, Directorate: Cadet and Youth Development at the National School of Governance, talked about the programmes the school offers and how they prepare the youth for the world of work, especially in the public sector.

Omphile Modise-Mashishi, Founder of Golden Lanes Consulting, shared valuable tips for becoming a successful, innovative entrepreneur. “As entrepreneurs, you need to identify problems; seek solutions on how to solve them; and identify how to generate income,” he told students.

Joana Govender, CEO of Empire Partner Foundation and Tech Fund, gave a brief overview of her company's work and encouraged students to embrace technology. “Technology allows you to understand your business. It does not create success; based on how you use it, it can help you succeed in your ventures,” she added.

Luthando Xaba is motivating and inspiring fellow students during the workshop. Thato Shikwane, Project Leader: Digital Transformation at Vodacom, shared her experiences of navigating the workplace as the youngest in the corporation, while Pearl Ngathi, Administrator at the Advancement Office (TUT), highlighted the threads of workplace success: discipline – delivering on time; integrity – trustworthiness; and growth mindset – learning, improving and adapting.