Fired-up Nokwazi embarks on a mission to jazz up JOSHCO!

“First at the top of my list is streamlining and driving the strategic vision of the organisation to make Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO) an employer of choice,” says Nokwazi Mtshali, JOSHCO’s Executive Manager for Corporate Services.

Nokwazi believes a good starting point is to understand the value chain of the organisation and how one unit or department feeds into another, thus bringing about the best results. “When looking at our vision, I must be able to understand that if JOSHCO is vying for a certain vision, what kind of capacity is required and what the needs analysis within the organisation is to achieve a particular key objectives,” she notes.

Nokwazi is also a strong believer of allowing colleagues the opportunity to own their space and ideas. She is passionate about achieving the vision and mandate of JOSHCO and believes that establishing a fit-forpurpose workforce will do just that.

Her plan is to help accelerate JOSHCO’s response to executing its objectives, which is building social housing units, eradicating the housing backlog and providing adequate housing. fident and skilled in their work space, this will automatically impact and translate to the rest of the residence within the city,” she notes.

Nokwazi is not completely new to the city. She previously worked in the office of the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Human Settlement before joining JOSCHO.

She was operations director, which allowed her to have a decent interface with JOSCHO and the Human Settlement Department.

Nokwazi is eager to make a difference at JOSHCO and with her extensive knowledge in the housing space will allow her to bring about great change.

“I was hungry and eager for the position to make a difference in that space. When I applied for the position at JOSCHO the excitement took over and I felt no nerves. I love spaces where I can assist in the development of someone and be able to make a positive impact in other people’s lives.

Before officially taking up office at JOSCHO, Nokwazi was in an acting capacity in the executive manager’s role. This allowed her to see what exists within the organisation and was already at work trying to streamline processes.

“Having been in the city for a while, I understand what the services entails and I understand what kind of ethic and integrity is needed to move the organisation to its next level.

First, my focus includes activating the employees of JOSHCO through training and a decent succession and retention plan to ensure that all business of the day can continue and skills transfer is continuously happening. Second, once employees are con-

With these attributes I know I could accomplish and achieve in executive manager role,” she says.

Nokwazi is currently studying for a Master’s Degree in performance monitoring and evaluation. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in management and a Bachelor Degree in media and communication from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She loves travelling and spending time with her kids.

Committing to the time and fees of a tertiary higher education is a big leap of faith. But it’s worth it if you know that your efforts will lead to success in getting the job of your dreams, as well as having promotion potential. Boston City Campus is committed to filling these needs and meeting the skills demand of the workplaces. The Institution is devoted to both our current students and our graduates, and we love to stay in touch with them as they grow in their careers!

The Graduate Support Services Office is mandated to provide a range of free services to all Boston Graduates in the first year after graduating. The staff in this office have years of experience in liaising with the companies and various industries, and are involved in coaching graduates in the skills and traits required to secure their dream job!

These services enhance our students’ journey into the world of work by providing them with the tools they need to assist them in securing employment. These services are offered to all our graduates.

Boston uses state of the art e-learning which means students study anywhere and anytime.

We therefore have students and graduates situated in all provinces, thus Boston Graduate Support Services operates nationally, and offering all the benefits. These include:

• A short course on how to prepare a professional Curriculum Vitae (CV).

• A student may submit their CV to our Graduate Support Services for an expert review.

• Guidance on how to prepare an effective cover letter/motivation when applying for an internship or employment.

• Boston will further assist our graduates with advice on how to conduct a job/internship search effectively.

• Graduates are also provided with tried and tested methods or techniques to prepare for the all-important job interview.

• Graduates who have successfully completed the Boston Employment Readiness Programme will be added to the Boston Graduate Services Database.

• Boston will put forward the names of gradu- ates in the Boston Graduate Services Database when approached by organisations or businesses seeking graduates for internship or employment purposes.

The focus of this service is to assist our graduates to enter the workplace and not as an employment agency to assist graduates in finding alternative employment.

In addition to the above value add, Boston has introduced the Graduate+ initiative to our student body. This initiative is designed to motivate our students to articulate from Short Learning Programmes to Higher Certificate studies, through to Diploma Studies into Degree Studies and with the vision to encourage those learners to achieve outstanding academic performance.

Find more at this information on the Boston website for details, in which it explains that students who do not find a job placement after gradation may get their next Higher Education Qualification free!

Why do have the Graduate+ initiative?

Because we all have the same goal with Higher Education – we want our graduates placed in employment, and more than that we believe the academic excellence and broader skills that Boston Students acquire will ensure that they do get placed! The main purpose of the Graduate + Initiative is to help graduates GET A JOB!

What are some of the T’s and C’s the graduate on the Graduate + Initiative has to meet? Things such as completing the qualification in the minimum time, having fees paid up, being unemployed and passing our free Work Readiness Course.

And by the way, we support ALL Boston graduates and help them with their job-hunting – not just the ones that meet the criteria for Graduate +

Please visit one of our Student Support Centres or www.boston.co.za for more information on the terms and conditions pertaining to the Boston Graduate+ initiative.

The Inner City Gazette is deeply saddened to report the passing of Harrison Ndlovu, an esteemed journalist, silub editor, and graphic designer. Harrison was a dedicated and talented member of our team, and his contributions to the field of journalism will be sorely missed.

Harrison's passion for journalism was evident in everything he did. He was a gifted writer and editor, and his attention to detail and eye for design made him an invaluable member of our team. His work touched the lives of many, and his commitment to excellence inspired us all. To Harrison's family and friends, we offer our deepest condolences. The loss of such a talented and compassionate individual is a great tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

As we mourn Harrison's passing, we take comfort in the words of the poet John Keats, who wrote, "A thing of beauty is a joy forever." Harrison's work was truly a thing of beauty, and it will continue to bring joy to those who read it for years to come.

Rest in peace, Harrison. Your legacy will live on in the work you leave behind, and in the hearts of those who knew and loved you.